U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets for a second consecutive day on Wednesday, following a sharp escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The strikes were authorized by President Donald Trump, who declared the ceasefire between the two countries “over” and indicated that further military action was likely.

According to a statement from U.S. Central Command, which manages American military operations in the Middle East, the recent attacks aimed to diminish Iran’s capacity to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has become the focal point of recent hostilities. Iranian forces have been accused of assaulting commercial vessels transiting the strait, prompting retaliatory strikes by the United States.

President Trump communicated his stance on social media, describing the U.S. response as “retribution for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran.” In a post on his platform Truth Social, Trump warned that further Iranian aggression would provoke an even stronger American reaction. He accompanied the message with an image of a large fire, emphasizing the severity of the response.

Earlier on Wednesday, while visiting Turkey, Trump used strong language toward the Iranian government, referring to the regime as “scum” and ordering additional military operations against Iranian targets. Despite the escalation, the president said he did not anticipate a full-scale war breaking out between the two nations.

The rapid resumption of hostilities follows a fragile ceasefire that had temporarily eased tensions in the region after months of maritime confrontations. The recent exchange of attacks signals a renewed phase of conflict, heightening concerns about stability in a region vital to global energy supplies. U.S. officials have framed their actions as necessary to uphold international maritime law and protect commercial shipping, while Iranian authorities have accused Washington of aggression and interference in regional affairs.

As the situation develops, international observers are closely monitoring the risk of broader conflict amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.