NEW DELHI: U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will "have to pay the price" following a fresh exchange of military strikes between the two countries, marking the most serious escalation since a ceasefire was reached earlier this year. Trump accused Tehran of taking too long to agree to a peace deal and signaled that Washington could respond more forcefully if hostilities continue.

The warning came after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian military assets near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. officials said the strikes targeted air defense systems, radar installations and other military infrastructure.

Iran condemned the U.S. operation as a violation of previous understandings and indicated it would reassess diplomatic engagement with Washington. The renewed confrontation has raised concerns about regional stability, global energy supplies and the future of ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East.

The escalation also impacted global markets, with oil prices rising amid fears of disruptions to shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.