Trump says US can strike Iran as death toll reaches 18

Former President Donald Trump asserted that the United States retains the capability to strike Iran “anytime we want,” a remark he made during a recent public appearance while addressing broader concerns about regional security. The comment, which was not accompanied by any indication of imminent military action, drew immediate attention from officials in Tehran, who interpreted the statement as a provocative escalation amid already heightened tensions in the Middle East.

In response, Iranian authorities condemned recent aerial attacks that they say targeted civilian sites, including a wedding party, describing the incidents as war crimes under international law. Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesperson highlighted the loss of civilian lives and called for an independent investigation, urging the United States and its allies to cease hostile operations and engage in diplomatic dialogue to prevent further bloodshed. The exchange underscores the fragile state of US‑Iran relations and the risk of miscalculation in an already volatile region.