Trump Says U.S. Strikes on Iran Were Response to Attacks on Americans

WASHINGTON:U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States carried out “very strong” strikes against Iran, describing the operation as a response to attacks that killed American personnel.

Speaking to reporters after returning to Washington from the FIFA World Cup final, Trump expressed sorrow over the deaths of U.S. service members, saying they had been fighting to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“We carried out very strong attacks on Iran tonight,” Trump said, adding that the military action was intended to honor the Americans who were killed and to respond to Iranian actions.

Commenting on the FIFA World Cup, Trump praised the tournament as one of the world’s biggest sporting events and congratulated FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his team for organizing what he described as an outstanding competition. He also said visitors from around the world had come to the United States and enjoyed their experience in the country.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on X that it had launched a **ninth consecutive night of strikes** against Iran. According to CENTCOM, the operations are aimed at further degrading Iranian military capabilities allegedly used to target commercial vessels and civilian mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz.