WANA (Jul 09) – U.S. President Donald Trump said early Thursday that the latest U.S. military strikes against southern Iran were carried out in retaliation for what he described as Iran’s bombing of ships, warning that any further such incidents would trigger a much stronger response.

 

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote: “This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!”

 

Meanwhile, CNN, citing a U.S. official, reported that the U.S. Navy participated in the latest round of strikes against Iran.

 

A Washington official also told ABC News that the latest attacks were broader than the previous night’s operation, which reportedly targeted more than 80 sites across Iran.

 

Earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that, “By order of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command forces have launched additional strikes against Iran to further reduce its ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

 

At the same time, local sources reported explosions in the Iranian cities of Bushehr, Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, Abu Musa, Konarak, Khark Island, Jask, and Sirik.