Trump warns Iran after latest strikes: “We’re going to hit them hard” UPDATED

Washington may reintroduce a blockade against Iran, US President Donald Trump said while answering reporters’ questions during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.

“We may reinstate the blockade,” Trump warned, stressing that it would target only Iran.

The American leader also outlined possible further steps against Iran, including potential moves involving the strategic Kharg Island. "We may take over Kharg Island," Trump noted.

The president stressed that the US had carried out a strike on Kharg Island the previous night and raised the possibility of taking control of the island, arguing that Iran would be unable to respond. 

He said Iranian officials had asked Washington not to conduct attacks during a funeral for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, but later attacked three ships despite the US decision not to strike at that time. Trump added that Washington could move forward without a deal, saying it would be easier, and accused Iran of dishonesty.

Kharg Island is located in the Persian Gulf and serves as Iran’s largest oil export terminal.

17:28

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that the United States is likely to carry out additional strikes on the night of July 8 following attacks the previous day.

"I'll give a little warning: We're going to hit them hard tonight," Reuters quoted Trump as telling reporters at the NATO summit in Türkiye before his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Trump’s remarks came amid renewed tensions following overnight US retaliatory strikes on Iran.

On July 7, 2026, US Central Command forces conducted a series of powerful precision strikes hitting over 80 Iranian targets, including weapon launch sites, air defences, radars, missiles, and IRGC boats, in direct response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

These actions followed what the US described as Iran's violation of a fragile interim ceasefire and memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June.

The strikes reportedly caused visible damage with smoke and flames at impacted sites, prompting Iranian retaliatory claims against US-related facilities in the region and raising concerns over maritime security.

By Jeyhun Aghazada