Trump Warns Iran US Preparing for More Strikes
Speaking on the sidelines of a Nato summit in Ankara, he said the strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Dubai: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned of fresh strikes on Iran, saying American forces could launch another round of attacks following renewed hostilities.
“We hit them very hard last night,” Trump said, adding, “We’ll probably hit them hard again tonight.”
Speaking on the sidelines of a Nato summit in Ankara, he said the strikes were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
“They are behaving very badly,” he said, accusing Iran of targeting vessels with drones and missiles.
The remarks came after a fresh exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces, including attacks on commercial tankers and retaliatory strikes on military targets. The escalation has raised concerns over disruption to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said the ceasefire was effectively over, though he indicated that negotiations could continue. “For me, I think it’s over,” he said, while adding, “They can talk, but I think they’re wasting their time.”
The US has previously warned of targeting key Iranian infrastructure, including oil facilities such as Kharg Island, through which a major share of Iran’s oil exports passes.
The latest developments have heightened fears of a wider conflict in the region, with oil prices rising sharply following the remarks.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said, “The era of bullying and extortion is over. It leads nowhere. We don’t fold.”
The US Central Command said its forces struck Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and more than 60 small boats linked to the Revolutionary Guard, citing the need to deter attacks on commercial shipping.
Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, including Bandar Mahshahr and Bushehr, while Gulf countries including Bahrain and Kuwait issued missile alerts following reported Iranian strikes on US military installations.
The situation remains under close watch amid concerns over further escalation and its impact on global markets.