US President Donald Trump said the United States would launch further strikes on Iran later tonight. He made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday.
“We hit them very hard last night,” Trump told reporters. He added the United States would “probably” strike Iran again and warned Tehran in advance.
Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire Over
Earlier, Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran was effectively over. However, he said US negotiators could continue diplomatic discussions if they wished.
The renewed escalation followed Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway remains a critical route for global oil shipments.
Meanwhile, Tehran insisted it would control navigation through the strait and charge passage fees. Iranian authorities also threatened action against vessels using unauthorised routes.
Iranian forces reportedly attacked several ships in recent days. Consequently, the United States launched extensive strikes on Iranian military targets, prompting retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries.
Fresh Fighting Jolts Global Markets
Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Qeshm, Sirik, Bandar Abbas and Bushehr. Officials said several monitoring sites were hit, while a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was killed.
Meanwhile, US Central Command said American forces struck more than 80 Iranian targets. The operation targeted air defence systems, coastal radar sites and dozens of Revolutionary Guard boats.
The military said the strikes aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to attack international shipping. However, the renewed conflict unsettled financial markets worldwide.
Brent crude surged above $78 per barrel, while US crude also climbed sharply. European stock markets declined as investors reacted to rising geopolitical tensions.
