US launches 'large and powerful' strikes as Trump warns Iran against retaliation

US President Donald Trump has announced that American forces are conducting strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, warning Tehran of catastrophic consequences should it choose to retaliate.

"The United States is, as we speak, striking Iranian Targets near the Strait of Hormuz," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, describing the assault as "large and powerful."

Trump stated the action came in response to a "failed attempt" by Iran to plant sea mines in the strait and a missile barrage on an American base in Jordan, adding eight incoming missiles were "all successfully knocked down."

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"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 wrote, adding that a larger assault is "waiting in the wings" that would leave "very little" of Iran.

In comments to Fox News, Trump said US forces targeted radar sites Iran attempted to rebuild: "They tried to rebuild their radar because they can't see anything... We waited until it was almost built and then we hit it."

Trump dismissed diplomatic talks, adding, “I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing."

Maritime operations

The military assault included strikes on two Iranian government tankers, US officials told Axios, marking the first time the US has targeted Iranian tankers in direct retaliation under a new "tanker for tanker" policy.

US drones fired missiles into the engine rooms of both vessels as they lay anchored off Iran's coast.

US officials said about 100 targets were struck, including Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) air defences, radar systems, mine-laying assets, and anti-ship missile sites.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation targeted IRGC units threatening commercial shipping.

Axios reported the strikes form part of a broader strategy to prevent Tehran from rebuilding capabilities used to disrupt shipping, with one US official noting the action "bought at least a month" of reduced threat levels.

Iran retaliated by firing roughly 25 ballistic missiles, alongside drone strikes against US bases across Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Erbil in Iraq, with US forces intercepting the majority of the projectiles.

Tehran also directed two dozen drones at US bases in Bahrain, alongside missile and drone launches targeting US positions in Kuwait and Erbil, Iraq, the majority of which were intercepted.

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Source: TRT