US President Donald Trump said the United States (US) carried out a major military strike against Iran in response to the killing of American service members, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.
Read More: Iran warns US of severe retaliation after latest strikes
Speaking to reporters after returning to Washington following the FIFA World Cup final, Trump said the overnight operation was a direct response to the deaths of US troops.
“We launched a very strong attack on Iran tonight,” Trump said, adding that the operation was carried out in retaliation for the killing of American personnel.
The president expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, saying they had sacrificed their lives to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
“The soldiers who were killed were fighting to ensure Iran could not acquire a nuclear weapon,” Trump said. “We are carrying out very tough strikes to honour their sacrifice.”
Trump did not provide further details about the targets or the scale of the operation during his remarks.
Commenting on the FIFA World Cup, Trump congratulated FIFA President Gianni Infantino and tournament organisers, describing the competition as a major global sporting event. He also said millions of visitors from around the world had travelled to the United States and praised the successful hosting of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had begun a ninth consecutive night of military operations against Iran.
In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the latest wave of strikes was aimed at further degrading Iran’s military capabilities, particularly assets allegedly used to threaten commercial shipping and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Read More: Iran, US trade fresh strikes as Gulf tensions escalate
The renewed military campaign comes amid growing regional instability and international concern over the possibility of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Analysts warn that continued exchanges between the United States and Iran could further disrupt global energy markets, maritime trade, and diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability.