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The Fox News presenter cautioned Iran after the New York Times reported President Donald Trump had called off a strike on the rogue Middle Eastern state. The attack would have been in response to Iran shooting down a US surveillance drone on Thursday morning. Mr Hannity warned Tehran will have "a small window" to tone down their aggressive behaviour or face retaliation from President Trump.

Speaking after the strike was allegedly called off, the Fox News anchor said: "In the coming days, we will know if the Mullahs are smart enough to take the opportunity – which is a small window, it may not even exist in five minutes – because if they don’t, the President will have no choice. "He will bomb the hell out of them." Mr Hannity continued: "We have the greatest military, thank God, on the face of this world. We have the most advanced weapon system. "A strong message has to be sent that a huge price will be paid if you take on the United States of America. Simple ‘peace through strength’ and it works." READ MORE: World War 3 fears surge as US 'comes within HOURS of bombing Iran' in brutal backlash

Fox News anchor Hannity warned Iran about potential retaliation

Senator minority leader, Democrat Chuck Schumer voiced his fear Mr Trump and his advisors may "bumble into a war" as he insisted Congress would not fund a war with Iran unless a "robust and open" debate was held first. Mr Schumer said: "I told the President these conflicts have a way of escalating. "The President may not intend to go to war here but we are worried he and the Administration may bumble into a war. "We told the room that the Democratic position is that Congressional approval must be required before funding any conflict in Iran." He added: "One of the best way of bumbling into war, a war nobody wants, is to have a robust and open debate and for Congress to have a real say. "We learned that lesson in the run-up to the Iraq War." A “senior administration official” speaking to the NY Times claimed the order was given to suspend the mission before any missiles were fired. According to the article military officials still expected the attack to go ahead as late as 7.00ET (12am BST).

Fox News host Hannity insisted a "strong message" had to be sent to Iran

Donald Trump reportedly called off a strike on Iran on Thursday