Trump vows to 'hit 'em hard' with more strikes on Iran, says ceasefire over
President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire with Iran is over and threatened further heavy strikes, while NATO chief Mark Rutte called the overnight US attacks 'absolutely necessary'. Iran responded with warnings of retaliation and claims of targeting 85 US military sites.
US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that American forces would strike Iran "hard" during the coming night, after declaring the ceasefire with Iran over at a NATO summit in Ankara. "We're gonna hit 'em hard tonight," he said before talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing Iran of violating the agreement daily. Trump also threatened to strike Iran's civilian infrastructure and seize Kharg Island, home to extensive oil facilities, claiming Iran could do nothing to prevent it. He said he would speak to negotiator Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, but insisted the initiative must come from Tehran. "As far as I'm concerned, it's over. They're scum," Trump added.
Iran's response
Iran's Deputy Coordinator of the Army, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, stated that any enemy attempt to land troops on Iran's coast would mean entering a "living hell" with no escape. "Our response is clear: 'If you dare, come,'" he said. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it has already targeted 85 US military facilities in the region. Iranian parliament's National Security Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said Iran is not intimidated by Trump's threats and is prepared to confront any evil. Iran also warned neighboring countries supporting US forces that they would be considered legitimate targets.
US strikes and NATO backing
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the overnight strikes hit more than 80 targets, including Iranian air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and over 60 IRGC small boats in and near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes were launched in response to Iranian attacks on three ships in the strait. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the strikes "absolutely necessary" because Iran had been violating the ceasefire. Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet, sounded missile alert sirens, while the Kuwaiti army reported intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks.
Broader implications
Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X that "the era of bullying and extortion is over" and that Iran will not fold. Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, and Sirik. Iran's central military command warned it would respond decisively to this aggression and not allow interference in the Strait of Hormuz. The US also revoked a license authorizing Iranian oil sales as part of the interim deal following the attacks on shipping. One tanker off Oman was hit and caught fire, while two other ships sustained minor damage with no injuries.
