President Trump said Tuesday evening that US forces are conducting broad strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz in response to attempts to lay naval mines and the launch of eight missiles at a US base in Jordan. He warned that if Iran retaliates it will face even heavier strikes, and that a larger pending attack could leave 'very little of the Islamic Republic of Iran.'
President Donald Trump issued a detailed statement at 21:19 Tuesday evening, specifying that the broad and powerful US strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz are a direct response to two specific provocations: an Iranian attempt to lay naval mines in the strait—which failed, as all mines were cleared or detonated—and the launch of eight missiles at a US military base in Jordan, all of which were intercepted. Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation would draw even heavier strikes, and that a larger pending operation, timed for 'the right moment,' could leave 'very little of the Islamic Republic of Iran.'
The statement deepens The Zioneer's earlier coverage. At 19:21, The Zioneer first reported Trump's initial confirmation of the strikes, based on a statement carried by Israeli media. That initial report followed a series of rapid updates beginning at the same hour: first a senior US official telling Barak Ravid (N12) that US forces were striking Iranian targets in response to ship attacks; then confirmation from US Central Command (CENTCOM); then reports of explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, Sirik, Chabahar, and Konarak; and finally Trump's initial warning of a larger pending attack. The new statement adds explicit justification and escalates the threat with specific details.
The broader campaign reflects weeks of escalating US military pressure. As The Zioneer previously reported, the US has conducted multiple waves of strikes inside Iran targeting missile depots, drone storage facilities, coastal radar installations, and naval infrastructure, with Trump repeatedly warning that continued Iranian ceasefire violations could lead to the destruction of the regime. The President's reference to a still-pending 'largest attack' suggests preparations for further escalation.
It remains unconfirmed whether the current strikes have concluded or are ongoing, and no official Iranian response has been reported. The timing and scope of the threatened larger attack also remain unspecified.
15 developments
- DevelopingTrump warns Iran of 'much worse' strikes if Hormuz shipping attacks continue
- StrongTrump says Iran struck a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US intercepted three drones
- DevelopingTrump: each Iran strike on Hormuz vessels will trigger US bombing of a bridge or power plant, including near Tehran
- ConfirmedTrump warns Iran: US will strike any nuclear site, retaliate 10-fold if Hormuz attacks continue
Source and signal
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