Pakistan, July 20 -- US President Donald Trump said the United States (US) carried out a major military strike against Iran in response to the killing of American service members, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

Read More: Iran warns US of severe retaliation after latest strikes

Speaking to reporters after returning to Washington following the FIFA World Cup final, Trump said the overnight operation was a direct response to the deaths of US troops.

"We launched a very strong attack on Iran tonight," Trump said, adding that the operation was carried out in retaliation for the killing of American personnel.

The president expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, saying they had sacrifi...