The White House has delivered a sharp message to Iran, saying President Donald Trump prefers a peaceful path, but is prepared to escalate militarily if necessary.

“The president’s preference is always peace. There does not need to be any more death and destruction,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

“But if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment – if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be – President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before.”