U.S. Launches Airstrikes on Iran for Second Consecutive Day; Trump Says "I Don't Think It Will Restart a War"

[Anchor]

The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes in southern Iran for the second consecutive day. President Donald Trump, who had previously signaled these additional strikes, stated that he does not believe this will lead to a resumption of war with Iran.

Reporter Yu Deok-gi has the story.

[Reporter]

The U.S. military has continued its airstrikes against Iran for the second day in a row.

The U.S. Central Command announced on July 8 (local time) that, "under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, President Trump, additional airstrikes have been initiated targeting Iran."

President Trump posted a video on his social media, purportedly showing the attack on Iran, and stated that it was a "retaliatory measure for Iran's attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz." He warned that if Iran attacks merchant ships again, there will be much more severe consequences.

The targets of these strikes are reported to include Iranian coastal radar, anti-ship missile bases, and air defense systems.

Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency reported that several powerful explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Konarak in southern Iran.

It has not been confirmed whether these were the result of U.S. airstrikes or engagements with U.S. forces.

There have also been reports from Iranian media claiming that a railway bridge in northeastern Iran was hit by U.S. forces.

The Iranian military is reportedly preparing countermeasures targeting U.S. bases in the Middle East.

President Trump, who had previously warned that additional strikes would follow, also cautioned that the Strait of Hormuz could be blocked again.

At the same time, he drew a line, stating that the military exchanges with Iran would not lead to an end of the ceasefire or a resumption of full-scale war.

[Donald Trump / U.S. President: I don't think it will restart. I think it will be over very quickly. Oil supplies will be very free and flowing, and everything will happen very fast.]

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the action, stating, "The U.S. has completely violated the memorandum of understanding on ending the war."

Iran also released a video of the late Supreme Leader Khamenei immediately following the airstrikes, expressing its hostility toward the United States.

(Video Editing: Park Chun-bae)

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