President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 30 July vowed that the United States would retaliate forcefully against Iran-backed forces after American air-defence systems intercepted five incoming ballistic missiles, declaring from the White House: 'It's our turn to hit them.' The remarks came amid escalating tensions across the Middle East and followed a reported drone attack on an LNG tanker off Egypt.

What Happened

Trump said he had been briefed on the missile salvo, which he described as travelling at roughly 8,500 miles per hour, and confirmed that all five projectiles were brought down by the Patriot missile-defence system. 'We had five rockets shot going 8,500 miles an hour, and all five rockets were knocked down to the ground,' he said. 'But they nevertheless took a shot, so it's our turn.'

The President also referenced a separate drone strike on an LNG tanker near Egypt, suggesting the incidents were connected to the broader pattern of Iran-linked aggression in the region. He indicated Washington was actively preparing a military response while leaving open the possibility of a negotiated settlement. 'We'll see if we get there with an agreement at some point, but we're going to hit them very hard,' Trump said.

Trump on China, Iran, and Weapons Transfers

Trump addressed reports that Iran could receive hundreds of rocket launchers from China via Pakistan, calling the prospect surprising and saying Chinese President Xi Jinping had personally assured him Beijing would not supply weapons to Tehran. 'He told me very strongly he wouldn't partake, and he knows I'd be quite disappointed,' Trump said, adding that Xi is expected to visit the US around 24 September.

Notably, Trump also said one group involved in the attacks had already apologised. 'It was a different group than we're dealing with. They've already apologised, but we've got to smack them a little bit,' he said — a remark that underscores the fragmented nature of the Iran-backed militia landscape Washington is navigating.

Push for Tariffs on Iran

Beyond military action, Trump urged Congress to go further than existing sanctions legislation and impose tariffs on Iran. 'I'd like them to add Iran as tariffs, not just as sanctions. I think it's important... I'd like to see tariffs on Iran; it would make it much stronger,' he said. The call signals a potential economic escalation layer on top of any military response.

Ukraine and Broader Diplomacy

On the sidelines of the same White House session, Trump briefly addressed his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, describing it as 'good' and reiterating his desire to end the war in Ukraine. 'I get along with President Putin; I get along with President Zelensky. I said, just end the war,' he said. The remarks reflect Trump's stated preference for bilateral dealmaking over multilateral frameworks, even as the Middle East situation demands simultaneous attention.

Washington has maintained it will respond to any attack on American personnel or military installations while pursuing diplomatic channels to prevent a wider regional conflict. With Trump's rhetoric now explicitly promising imminent strikes, the next 48 to 72 hours are likely to be pivotal for US posture in the region.