Trump says US strikes hit Iran in 'honour' of American soldiers killed
President Donald Trump announced that US military strikes against Iran were conducted in retaliation for the deaths of American soldiers in Jordan and Iraq. The conflict has escalated with reports of explosions in Iranian cities and threats to oil transit in the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East with potential global implications for oil markets and regional stability.
US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before leaving the White House in Washington DC Oct 10, 2019 /XINHUA
President Donald Trump says the latest strikes by the US hit Iran "very hard", adding that the attacks were "in honour" of three US soldiers killed in recent days - two in Jordan, one in Iraq.
In the early hours of Monday local time, US Central Command (Centcom) said it had launched a "new wave" of strikes for the ninth consecutive night as explosions were heard across Iran.
The US said it had targeted military sites and communications networks to "further diminish" Tehran's attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said it had responded with a "surprise attack" in Syria and targeted US aircraft at Jordan's Aqaba airport.
Elsewhere in the region, Kuwait's armed forces said they had intercepted Iranian drones.
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