US Strikes Iran for Second Straight Day as Trump Warns ‘It Will Get Much Worse’

July 9, 2026

Washington/Tehran: The United States carried out military strikes against Iran for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying the operation was aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The latest action came hours after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond with greater force if attacks on commercial shipping continued.

US says strikes target threats to maritime security

In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command said the strikes were intended to hold Iran accountable for what it described as recent “unjustified aggression” against commercial shipping and civilian crews operating in international waters.

CENTCOM also said that more than 20 US Navy warships were deployed across the Middle East to safeguard maritime security and maintain freedom of navigation in the region.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara earlier in the day, President Donald Trump warned that the US military was prepared to launch additional strikes against Iran.

“I’ll give a little warning: We’re going to hit them hard tonight,” Trump said, while adding that he did not expect the situation to develop into a full-scale war.

Iran warns of retaliation, threatens Hormuz closure

Following Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Press TV, citing an informed source, reported that Tehran would close the Strait of Hormuz and strike twice as many targets if the United States launched another round of attacks.

The warning came as both countries exchanged fresh military action from Tuesday night into Wednesday, further escalating one of the most serious confrontations between Washington and Tehran in recent years.

Explosions reported across southern Iran

Iranian media reported multiple explosions in Hormozgan province on Wednesday night after the latest US strikes.

Blasts were heard in Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Sirik and on Abu Musa Island, while state-run IRIB reported three additional explosions in Chabahar County. Iranian air defence systems were activated in several areas as authorities assessed the situation.

Conflict enters a dangerous phase

The latest strikes mark the second consecutive day of US military action against Iran and come amid the collapse of ceasefire efforts announced earlier this week. Analysts warn that continued military escalation around the Strait of Hormuz—a key global oil transit route—could have significant implications for regional security, international shipping and global energy markets.