Trump threatens to ‘wipe Iran off the map’ if it attacks US ships

Trump said in conversation with the broadcaster Fox News that if Iranian forces attempt to target US vessels operating in the region, “they will be wiped off the face of the Earth.”

According to the United States Central Command, US Navy guided missile destroyers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last few hours and are already operating in the Gulf as part of the military operation. The mission seeks to ensure the resumption of commercial vessel navigation in the region, hampered by the blockade imposed by Iran since the start of the war on February 28.

Trump said to Fox News This Monday, the commercial blockade imposed by the United States on Iran’s ports is beginning to put pressure on the regime. According to him, this pressure is reflected in the “more malleable” Iranian stance in the ongoing negotiations.

Trump also highlighted the current level of preparedness of American forces in the region. “We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher level than we had before,” he said. “We have the best equipment. We have bases all over the world, all supplied. We can use all of this, and we will, if necessary,” he added.

In a publication in Truth Social, the American president stated that Iran has attacked vessels from countries not directly involved in the military operation. He cited the case of a South Korean freighter hit in the region and defended greater international participation in the announced mission. “Maybe it’s time for South Korea to join the mission,” he wrote.

The ongoing operation in Hormuz, called “Project Freedom”, was announced by the White House with the aim of escorting commercial ships and trying to reestablish flow on the route.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Monday denied the passage of any commercial ship or oil tanker through the strait in recent hours.