US broadcaster Fox News reported that President Donald Trump said 49 Tomahawk missiles were used to strike targets inside Iran.

Trump reportedly gave a phone interview from the White House Situation Room after the US Central Command announced the start of a fresh round of strikes on Wednesday, The Caspian Post reports, citing NHK World.

He reportedly added that US fighter jets are operating in the skies over Iran, taking out radar and air defense systems in the southwestern part of the country, near the Persian Gulf.

Fox News says Trump also claimed that top Iranian officials called him and the Iranians asked that the bombing be stopped.

When the reporter asked Trump what will happen if the Iranians do not sign an agreement that was put forward by American negotiators, he reportedly said they will be bombed heavily the following night.

Fox News described the latest round of strikes as a message to Iranian leaders that the bombing campaign will continue unless they sign the agreement.