US President Donald Trump has warned that American forces will carry out additional strikes on Iran after the US targeted more than 80 Iranian military sites. His remarks came amid growing uncertainty over the future of the US-Iran ceasefire understanding, with both Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Trump Signals More Military Action Against Iran
Speaking to reporters at the NATO summit in Turkey before his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump indicated that further military operations were imminent.
“I’ll give a little warning: We’re going to hit them hard tonight,” Trump said.
The warning followed US strikes on more than 80 targets across Iran, including air defence systems, coastal radar facilities, command-and-control centres, and around 60 vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to Trump, US forces had already “knocked out 28 boats” during overnight operations and would “probably” destroy more Iranian vessels if required.
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Potential Expansion of US Military Campaign
Trump also suggested that Washington could widen its campaign beyond military installations.
He said the United States could target Iran’s electricity grid and water facilities, although he expressed hope that such action would not become necessary.
In another major statement, Trump said the US “may take over” Kharg Island, Iran’s principal oil export hub. He also raised the possibility of restoring a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and said NATO nations would deploy minesweepers to protect the strategically important waterway.
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CENTCOM Explains Purpose of the Operation
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the latest military operation struck Iranian air defence systems, coastal radar facilities, command-and-control centres, and around 60 IRGC vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes were launched in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial oil tankers travelling through the strategic shipping route.
Trump Declares Ceasefire Understanding Effectively Over
‘The MoU Is Over’
Earlier in the day, Trump stated that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed just three weeks ago to halt hostilities between Washington and Tehran had effectively collapsed.
“For me, the MoU is over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore,” he said.
Although Trump said negotiations could continue, he dismissed diplomacy as ineffective.
“I will speak to our negotiators… As far as I am concerned, it is just a waste of time dealing with them. They are liars,” he said.
The US President also sharply criticised Iran’s leadership.
“They are scum. They are sick people. They are vicious, violent people. If they had a nuclear weapon they’d use it,” Trump said.
Iran Accuses US of Violating Ceasefire
Iran rejected Washington’s position, accusing the United States of breaching the fragile ceasefire through military and economic measures.
In a statement posted by the Embassy of Iran in India on X, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said US attacks on monitoring and surveillance centres along the country’s southern coastline violated commitments made under the interim agreement.
Tehran also criticised the US Treasury’s decision to revoke a 60-day licence that had allowed Iran to sell oil on international markets using US dollars, arguing that Washington had failed to fulfil its obligations.
The ministry added that the combination of military operations and economic restrictions violated understandings governing navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran also blamed ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon for weakening the ceasefire framework, saying responsibility for the latest escalation rested with Washington and Israel.
US Defends the Military Response
Washington maintained that the operation was necessary after Iran attacked three commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran’s capability to threaten international shipping along one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
“Centcom forces remain postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not adhered to or obeyed,” the command said.
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Qeshm Island following the attacks. Trump later shared a social media video that was reported to show explosions in Bandar Abbas.
Iran Issues Warning to Gulf Neighbours
Iran also warned countries bordering the Persian Gulf against allowing the United States or its allies to use their territory or military facilities for operations targeting Iran.
The Foreign Ministry said any nation assisting attacks on Iran would be considered complicit in the aggression.
The ministry further reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, warning that its armed forces “will not hesitate to target both the source and the perpetrators of any act of aggression.”
Conclusion
The latest exchange of military action and diplomatic accusations has significantly intensified tensions between the United States and Iran. While Washington insists its strikes were a response to attacks on commercial shipping, Tehran maintains the US has violated the ceasefire understanding through both military operations and economic measures, raising further uncertainty over the future of the agreement.
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