President Donald Trump announced Tuesday evening that American military forces are currently conducting strikes against Iranian targets in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. The president characterized the operation as a direct response to two recent Iranian provocations against US interests.
In his statement, Trump said US forces were striking "at this very moment" Iranian positions near the strategic waterway. He described the attacks as "large and powerful," undertaken in retaliation for Iran's failed attempt to place naval mines in the strait, which he emphasized is currently mine-free, and for launching eight missiles at an American military installation in Jordan. According to the president, all eight missiles were successfully intercepted.
Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran against any retaliatory measures. "If the failed state of Iran takes retaliatory action against this very justified attack, it will be hit again at a much harder and higher level," he stated. He added an ominous note: "But this will not be the biggest attack of all, that one is waiting on the side, and when it is finished, very little will remain of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
