Iran has been stalling on the deal for a long time, now they will have to pay the price — Donald Trump

International Desk: US President Donald Trump has directly threatened the Iranian regime, saying, “They have been stalling on the deal for a long time... Now they will have to pay the price!!!” Trump made these comments after the US launched a defensive strike after an American helicopter was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also said, “Iran’s military is in complete disarray and collapse... The bully in the Middle East is now dead!!!” Tensions have reached a peak in this incident. The US Central Command (Centcom) said that Iranian forces shot down an Apache helicopter. The two pilots were rescued safely. In response, the US carried out precision strikes on Iranian air defense installations, radars and command centers.

The Strait of Hormuz is the route for about 20 percent of the world’s oil transportation. The tension in the area has increased oil prices in the international market. Iran also claimed to have retaliated, although US officials say their strikes were defensive and limited.

The Trump administration has been pushing for a new deal with Iran, but the military action is believed to have been taken after long-standing talks failed to make progress. Trump said Iran could no longer pose a threat in the Middle East. Its navy and air force have suffered major losses.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have condemned the incident as "aggression" and threatened retaliation. Regional countries have expressed concern about the incident. Analysts say that if the conflict escalates, the entire Middle East could become unstable.

Trump's tough stance reflects his "peace through strength" policy. He hopes that after this blow, Iran will return to the negotiating table and a lasting peace will be established in the Middle East.