U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a new wave of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday, warning Tehran that consequences would turn “much worse” if attacks on vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz continue.
Shortly after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, Iranian state media agency IRNA reported multiple explosions across Iran’s southern coastline. The blasts hit key port cities—including Bandar Abbas, Konarak, and Chabahar—causing widespread power outages, while military aircraft were spotted over Kish Island.
President Trump detailed the justification for the military action in a post on Truth Social.
“This is in retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!”
According to CENTCOM, the operation aimed to degrade the ability of Iranian forces “to threaten freedom of navigation” in the vital maritime corridor, which handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
“The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping,” CENTCOM stated on X.
The escalation follows President Trump’s declaration that the standing ceasefire with Iran has collapsed, prompting urgent diplomatic interventions from Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Nations.
Middle East stability has deteriorated rapidly following the February 28 death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike.
Ahead of his scheduled burial in Mashhad on Thursday, Tehran has attempted to project control over the Strait of Hormuz by demanding transit fees and threatening non-compliant vessels.
The U.S. launched an initial retaliatory campaign on Tuesday after Iran struck three commercial ships, which sparked subsequent Iranian counter-attacks against Gulf nations.
Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump maintained a strict posture while expressing hope for a brief conflict.
“We’re gonna hit ’em hard tonight. They violate the agreement every day,” Trump said, later adding that “anything that happens is going to be over very quickly.”
The breakdown of the ceasefire and the subsequent military action have already heavily impacted global markets, driving crude oil prices up by 8%.