U.S. has launched ‘large and powerful’ strikes on Iran, Trump says

Key Points:

• The U.S. conducted significant strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting sites linked to Iran's attempt to deploy sea mines and in response to an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, according to President Donald Trump.
• Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with even stronger U.S. attacks, hinting at a larger, more devastating strike planned for the future.
• Iran's armed forces vowed heavy retaliation against the U.S., with Iranian media reporting that the U.S. struck civilian and maritime infrastructure, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on American bases in the region.
• The recent escalation follows exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces earlier in the week, including U.S. strikes on rocket launchers on Larak Island and Iranian missile attacks on U.S. interests in Jordan, which were intercepted by Jordanian and UAE forces.
• U.S. Central Command stated the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz to protect global maritime commerce, marking the first major military escalation since the conflict began in February.