Iran attacked the F-35 Lightning II bomber; Donald Trump states firmly: “I will not send American troops on the ground”

Donald Trump has issued a warning to Israel not to repeat strikes on Iranian natural gas infrastructure, as escalating attacks on energy facilities have driven a sharp rise in global energy prices and intensified tensions in the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

His comments came as energy prices surged on Thursday after Iran responded to an Israeli strike on a major gas field by targeting the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, a key hub that processes about one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas. The damage caused is expected to take years to repair.

Meanwhile, a major Saudi port on the Red Sea was also attacked, as efforts continue to bypass disruptions linked to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

“I told him, don’t do it, and he won’t do it,” Trump said in the Oval Office, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Although sources told Reuters that Trump is considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. troops to the Middle East, he stated clearly during the meeting that he has no plans to send ground forces.

“I will not deploy troops anywhere,” he said. “If I had planned to, I certainly wouldn’t tell you. But I’m not sending troops. We will do whatever is necessary.”

Iran has claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. F-35 Lightning II, which was reportedly forced into an emergency landing. However, according to U.S. Central Command, the aircraft landed safely at an American base and the pilot is in stable condition.

At the same time, Israel’s military leadership signaled that operations are far from over. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated internally that the campaign against Iran is “not even halfway complete,” while military officials believe there is no clear timeline for the end of the conflict and oppose halting operations at this stage.

“KORÇA BOOM”