US launches more strikes on Iran with blasts reported in south of country

The US has launched a new round of strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump signalled he'd "hit them hard again tonight" following an overnight exchange of attacks on Tuesday.Explosions have been reported by Iranian state media in parts of the country's south, including Sirik and Bandar Abbas - port cities on the Strait of Hormuz. After the latest strikes, Trump said in a post on Truth Social: "This is in retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!"Iran has not yet commented, but senior officials earlier warned any attack from the US would be met with an "immediate response".US Central Command (Centcom) said the strikes were carried out to "further degrade Tehran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation" in the vital waterway.In a statement it added: "The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway."Several explosions have also reportedly been heard in other parts of the Iranian coast, including the cities of Konarak and Chabahar.Iranian state TV reported eight explosions in Bandar Abbas, and said two missiles had hit the ports of both Sirik and Jask - also in southern Iran.