Tensions flare, Trump issues new threats against Iran

Fighting has flared up again between the United States and Iran in the Middle East. The US Central Command said it has intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American troops. US media reported that President Donald Trump vowed to retaliate and said, "they're going to get a beating."

Trump spoke to Fox News about the latest developments on Wednesday. He said US forces will be hitting Iran "hard," while at the same time, he said he will "let them keep talking."

He gave an update on the US-Saudi strikes in Iraq, which targeted Iran-linked Shia militias. He said they were "coordinated" with the Iraqi government. Trump said that the US is considering more "warnings" for Iranian proxies.

The Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq issued a statement about the US-Saudi strikes. The Iran-backed group said the attacks targeted PMF headquarters in many locations, and they killed 20 fighters and wounded 32 others.

Iraq's presidential office condemned the bombing in a statement, calling the attack "unacceptable" and a violation of its sovereignty.

Elsewhere in the region, Reuters said a drone hit a US gas storage tanker at Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta. The report cited a British maritime security company.

Egyptian officials said two vessels caught fire, but they have not confirmed if an attack occurred, or what caused the fires.