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Trump defends strikes on Iran, describes maritime operations and warns of further action
Summary
President Trump said U.S. forces struck Iranian targets overnight, described damage to naval and radar sites and raised the possibility of a maritime blockade; Defense speaker Pete outlined strikes on small craft and facilities used to harass shipping.
President Trump told reporters that U.S. forces carried out strikes on Iranian military and maritime targets the previous night and signaled readiness to strike again if necessary.
“Very, very probably hit them hard again tonight,” Trump said when describing U.S. responses to recent Iranian drone and missile activity. He characterized Iran’s behavior as longstanding and dishonorable and criticized past diplomatic agreements as counterproductive. “For 47 years, they’ve been the bully of the Middle East,” he said.
When asked for operational detail, Trump described attacks on small craft used to harass shipping and said U.S. forces had targeted radar, storage sites and facilities that had been rebuilding capability. Defense participant Pete (S6) said forces targeted small craft, underground drone and missile storage, coastal defense and radar sites used to harass shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “That was a big part of what we targeted,” Pete said, listing radar and surveillance sites and storage facilities.
Trump said the U.S. had destroyed a number of small boats used for mine‑dropping and harassment and suggested the United States might reimpose a maritime blockade on Iran if needed. He compared methods used against drug‑running boats with those applied in the recent strikes and said maritime drug interdiction by sea had dropped dramatically under current operations.
The president claimed operational effects — for example, that 28 small boats had been knocked out — but did not provide corroborating evidence or list independent sources during the briefing. Officials did not present a public tally of targets or damage assessments beyond the statements in the session.
Reporters asked about the consequences of further action, including closing Ukrainian airspace and the use of jets; Trump responded that a durable negotiated deal would reduce the need for such options, but he said the United States would use additional force if necessary.
No new legal authorities, formal authorizations or multilateral mandate were announced during the exchange. Defense details described in the session would typically require subsequent operational reports and formal assessments to confirm the claims made here.
