US President Donald Trump warned Iran overnight that it would face “much worse” strikes if further attacks are carried out against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The warning came after renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran placed efforts to secure a lasting end to the war in the Middle East under further strain.
“These are reprisals for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will be much worse!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The post appeared above an image showing a facility in the Iranian city of Chabahar engulfed in flames, with smoke rising into the air.
Trump vows stronger response to future attacks
Speaking later to reporters aboard Air Force One following his departure from Ankara, where the Nato summit was held, Trump said the United States would respond with significantly greater force to any further Iranian attacks.
“We will hit them very hard,” he said. “Every time they hit us, we will hit them back 20 times harder.”
Referring to Iran’s latest action, Trump added: “They did a little thing today, but it is probably retaliation” for the previous day’s strikes.
The Trump Iran strikes warning followed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and a renewed exchange of fire between the two countries.
Mixed messages over ceasefire and negotiations
Trump appeared to send conflicting messages earlier on Wednesday when he said the ceasefire was “over” following the latest exchange of strikes between the United States and Iran.
The renewed hostilities have tested efforts to bring a lasting end to the conflict in the Middle East.
However, the US president also said the latest fighting would end “very quickly” and left the door open for negotiations with Tehran to continue.
Also read: Trump declares US-Iran ceasefire ‘over’ after overnight strikes
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