JUSTIFIED : TRUMP WARNS OF BIGGER STRIKES ON IRAN AFTER LATEST EXCHANGE OF FIRE

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the latest American strikes on Iran were “justified” and warned Tehran of even larger attacks if they retaliate.

The statement comes after the first direct exchanges of fire between U.S. and Iranian forces in a month, reigniting fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

WHAT HAPPENED
According to a Truth Social post from Trump, the U.S. military targeted Iranian sites near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
He said the strikes were in response to two incidents:
1. Iran’s “failed attempt at adding sea mines” to the Strait of Hormuz
2. Missiles fired by Iran at a U.S. military base in Jordan

Hours later, Iran launched missiles at two U.S. air bases in Jordan. Trump told Fox News, “We’re going to hit them hard” and confirmed “There will be a response.”

U.S. officials said air defenses intercepted all Iranian missiles that posed a threat.

6 MONTHS IN, NO END IN SIGHT
The conflict marks 6 months since the U.S. and Israel launched what Trump initially called a “short-term excursion” in March. At the time, he told Republicans it would last “four to five weeks.”

Instead, the war has dragged on. Gas prices are up, and polls show the conflict is unpopular with Americans.

The Trump administration now says it’s shifting strategy — pausing large military operations and moving to an economic offensive. That includes threatening to sanction countries that continue trading with Iran.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA SPIN
Trump also posted two AI-generated videos to social media showing explosions at Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal with the caption “Kharg island being blown to smithereens!!!”
Iran called the posts “laughable.” Vice President JD Vance said Trump was “sending a message” and “likes to switch it up on social media a little bit.”

No such attack on Kharg Island took place.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
A senior Iranian source told Reuters the overnight strikes were a “limited and contained confrontation” but warned Tehran would deliver a “harsh response” if attacked again.