The United States has launched airstrikes for two consecutive days in response to Iran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face a stronger military response if it continues its assaults.
On July 8, Trump posted images and videos on the social media platform Truth Social, which he claimed depicted Iran's attacks. He stated, "This is a retaliation for Iran's attack on ships yesterday," adding, "If this happens again, it will be much more serious."
The US Central Command also announced the initiation of additional airstrikes targeting Iran. The command explained that these attacks aim to weaken Iran's capabilities that threaten the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
On the previous day, US forces struck over 80 targets within Iran, including air defense systems, command and control facilities, coastal radar stations, anti-ship missile capabilities, and small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The US believes that Iran attacked three commercial vessels, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier registered in Qatar and oil tankers registered in Saudi Arabia and Liberia, in the Strait of Hormuz on July 6 and 7. The US has classified these actions as violations of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last month.
This escalation has effectively halted subsequent negotiations between the US and Iran. Trump, speaking in Ankara, Turkey, during a NATO summit, expressed skepticism about further negotiations, stating, "I consider the agreement with Iran to be over."
Iran has retaliated, claiming it targeted US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil transportation. The cycle of ship attacks and retaliatory airstrikes is heightening tensions in the Middle East and raising concerns over energy transport security.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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