Shortly after US President Donald Trump stated, “They will be struck hard again tonight,” US forces launched a new phase of attacks against Iran. Iranian state media reported explosions in southern parts of the country, including port cities like Sirik and Bandar Abbas located along the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Following these recent strikes, Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social: “These attacks were a response to Iran’s recent bombings on ships. If this happens again, the situation will deteriorate further!” While Iran has not issued an official response, senior officials have vowed an “immediate response” to any US attack.
The US Central Command described the strikes as measures to “weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten free navigation in a critical maritime route.” US officials previously held Iran responsible for “recent unjustified attacks on commercial vessels and non-military mariners operating freely in international waterways.” Multiple explosions also occurred in Iranian coastal cities like Konarak and Chabahar. According to Iranian state television, Bandar Abbas experienced eight explosions, and two missiles targeted Sirik and Jask in southern Iran.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday evening, President Trump revealed that Iran had “contacted us some time ago” and appeared “more willing” to negotiate. He remarked, “I don’t know if they’re negotiable or not—I don’t know if they will abide by an agreement, that’s the problem.” Following a series of attacks and counterattacks, US forces launched a ‘powerful’ strike on Tuesday, accusing Iran of attacking a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, Iran retaliated with attacks against US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
