Us Bombs Iran, Trump Warns Of ‘Biggest Attack’ Yet If Tehran Strikes Back
By Passman Akpos
The United States has launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iranian targets near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump warning that Tehran could face an even more devastating assault if it retaliates.
Trump said the strikes were already underway on Tuesday, describing them as “large and powerful” and saying they were carried out in response to what Washington says was an Iranian attempt to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a missile attack against a U.S. military base in Jordan.
According to Trump, Iran fired eight missiles toward the U.S. military presence in Jordan, all of which were successfully intercepted. Jordanian military authorities also said eight missiles entering the country’s airspace were destroyed before causing damage.
The U.S. Central Command separately confirmed that American forces had begun striking targets belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), saying the operation followed attempted Iranian attacks against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. service members in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz has become the latest flashpoint in the rapidly escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The waterway is one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, particularly for global energy supplies.
Trump claimed that Iranian mines in the Strait had been removed or detonated and warned that Washington would respond with significantly greater force if Tehran launched another attack.
“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level,” Trump said.
The U.S. president went further, warning that an even larger operation was being held in reserve and suggesting that a future escalation could leave Iran’s Islamic Republic severely damaged.
The latest strikes mark a sharp escalation after weeks of confrontation between the two countries. U.S. officials say American forces are focused on protecting commercial shipping and American personnel, while Iran has accused Washington of aggression and has threatened retaliation.
The renewed fighting is already raising fears of a wider regional conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security. Oil prices have also risen amid the latest escalation.
Reports from Iran have meanwhile indicated civilian casualties from the latest U.S. strikes, including an incident in Sirik where a strike reportedly hit a location hosting a wedding. The reports remain part of the developing conflict and are being disputed in some details.
With both sides threatening further retaliation, fears are mounting that the latest exchange could develop into a much broader military confrontation across the Middle East.
The situation remains fluid as U.S. and Iranian forces continue to exchange fire.
