U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington intends to carry out new “heavy strikes” against Iran in the coming hours.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, he noted that U.S. forces had already conducted strikes earlier and would continue military operations.

“We hit them hard yesterday. And we will hit them hard again today,” Trump said.

According to the U.S. president, Washington’s actions are linked to an incident in which Iranian forces allegedly shot down an American helicopter. Trump stressed that he considers such measures justified.

“I think we have the right to do that. They shot down an incredible machine,” he added.

There has been no official confirmation from Iran regarding the circumstances of the incident at the time of the statement.