Donald Trump threatened Iran with complete destruction if it attacks U.S. naval vessels assisting with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent Iranian attacks.
Trump Threatens Iran with Retaliation
“We have the best equipment. We have it all over the world. We have bases all over the world. All are equipped with equipment. We can use it, and we will if we have to,” Trump declared in an interview with Fox News.
Donald Trump warned against attacking American ships.
Context of the Threat
According to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, who spoke with Trump by phone, the U.S. President made the statement in the context of the conflict in the Middle East. Trump threatened that if Iran attacks U.S. ships aiding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, “it will be wiped off the face of the Earth.”
Trump also assessed that Iran has become “much more amenable to influence” in peace negotiations.
Iranian Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, Adm. Brad Cooper, reported that on Monday, May 4th, Iranian forces launched several attacks using cruise missiles, drones, and fast attack craft against U.S. ships and merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Response to Attacks
The U.S. forces sank six of these boats as a result. Cooper declined to assess the effects of the Iranian attacks, or to answer whether the exchange of fire constituted a violation or end to the ongoing ceasefire.
Attack on South Korean Cargo Ship
Trump also referred to the attack on a South Korean cargo ship. “Maybe it’s time for South Korea to join the mission! We destroyed seven small boats or, as they call them, ‘fast’ boats. That’s all that’s left. Apart from the South Korean ship, no damage has been reported during the passage through the strait so far,” the U.S. President wrote in a message on Truth Social.