Trump warns Iran will be 'hit very hard' on Saturday

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said Iran would be "hit very hard" on Saturday and that he was considering widening the areas and groups of people being targeted, without providing details.

"Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran's bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered  for targeting up until this moment in time" Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

He also noted that Iran had apologised to its neighbours for its strikes against them, which he cast as a surrender.

Trump’s statement came after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Iran's president over the numerous civilian casualties resulting from "the armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran" and called for an immediate halt to  hostilities, the Kremlin said.

In a phone call late on Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin expressed  his deep condolences over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of Khamenei's family, Iranian political and military leaders and "numerous civilians".

"Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia's principled stance in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities, the rejection of force as a method to solve any issues surrounding Iran or arising in the Middle East, and a swift  return to the path of diplomatic resolution," the Kremlin said.

Putin said he was in constant contact with the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council member states.

"Masoud Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Russia's solidarity with the Iranian people  as they defend their sovereignty and the independence of their country. He also provided a detailed update on the developments during the latest active phase of the  conflict," the Kremlin said.