US expands strikes on Iran as Trump vows a tougher response

The U.S. launched additional self-defense strikes on Iran in response to ongoing aggression, with Centcom saying targets across Iran were hit after President Trump warned he would strike 'hard' again. The earlier action followed Tehran's alleged downing of a U.S. helicopter. Iran's IRGC retaliated with strikes on U.S. bases in the region, and explosions were reported on Qeshm Island and other Gulf cities, as Trump and Iran's leadership exchanged hard-line rhetoric.