President Donald Trump signaled Wednesday that the United States is preparing for another round of military strikes against Iran, making clear that his administration is prepared to respond forcefully after Iranian attacks on American military sites and continued threats to international shipping.

Speaking on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said the previous night's operation had already delivered a powerful message—but indicated the campaign may not be over.

“We hit them very hard last night,” Trump said when asked whether the fighting would resume. “We’ll probably hit them hard again tonight.”

The president's comments came just hours after he declared that a ceasefire was effectively over following Iranian attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in the Gulf. The administration has framed the military response as a direct act of retaliation designed to deter further aggression from Tehran.

Trump also pointed to Iran's attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes, as justification for continued military action. Any disruption to the waterway carries significant implications for global trade and energy markets, making security in the region a vital American and international interest.

The president has consistently argued that deterrence requires strength, not hesitation. His administration has repeatedly emphasized that attacks on U.S. personnel, military installations, or critical international shipping lanes will be met with decisive consequences rather than diplomatic delay.

As tensions continue to rise, the coming hours could prove pivotal for stability across the Middle East. The administration's message is unmistakable: the United States will defend its forces, protect freedom of navigation, and respond to aggression with the resolve that has long defined President Trump's America First approach to national security.