Trump Defends US Strikes Near Hormuz, Warns Iran of Escalation

The United States carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump said the strikes were justified.

He said Iran had tried and failed to put sea mines in the waterway.

Trump also said Iran fired eight missiles at a US military base in Jordan.

He said the mines were cleared or detonated.

Trump warned that the United States could launch even bigger strikes if Iran responded.

The reports did not include a statement from Iran.

The operation was described as large-scale and powerful.