Trump Warns of Possible New Strikes on Iran, Says Strait of Hormuz Blockade Could Return

President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that the United States could launch another major military strike against Iran and suggested the U.S. Navy may restore its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, less than a day after American forces carried out a large-scale operation in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping.
Speaking in Ankara, Turkey, Trump indicated additional military action could be imminent when asked whether more U.S. strikes were expected.
“You know, normally I wouldn’t tell you, but you know what, there’s not a thing they can do about it,” Trump said. “So, the answer is probably.”
The president then issued a pointed warning toward Tehran.
“I’ll give them a little warning: We’re going to hit them hard tonight, but we’ll see how it all works out,” Trump said, adding that he is not “happy” with Iran’s leadership.
Trump also raised the possibility of reinstating a naval blockade targeting Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade had been lifted last month after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.
According to the president, the blockade could be brought back if circumstances warrant.
“We may put down the blockade, we may put it back to blockade, and it’ll only be a blockade for Iran,” Trump said.
During the earlier blockade, U.S. forces redirected 142 commercial vessels that complied with military warnings while disabling nine ships that did not, according to information provided by the administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the administration’s hardline stance, saying the Pentagon stands ready to intensify military operations if directed by the commander in chief.
Hegseth said the U.S. military would strike Iran “even more and even deeper” should Trump authorize additional action.
The latest escalation follows a large-scale American military operation carried out Tuesday evening. According to U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces launched precision strikes against more than 80 targets across Iran.
Officials said the operation targeted a wide range of military assets, including air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radar sites, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that were located inside or near the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command said the strikes were conducted in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway in recent days.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime corridors, and recent attacks on commercial shipping have heightened tensions in the region.
Trump also discussed other potential military options while speaking to reporters.
He said American forces could target Iran’s desalination plants but indicated he would prefer not to pursue that course of action.
The president said he would “hate to do that.”
Trump also revealed additional details about Tuesday’s military operation, saying U.S. forces struck Kharg Island while intentionally sparing the island’s oil infrastructure.
According to the president, the facilities that were left untouched handle roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports.
Trump further speculated about the future of the strategically located island, suggesting that the United States could potentially take control of Kharg Island, which sits in the Persian Gulf.
His comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to rise following the latest exchange of military action. With the administration openly discussing the possibility of additional strikes and renewed naval measures, the conflict showed signs of remaining highly volatile as U.S. officials maintained pressure on Iran following the attacks on commercial shipping.