Donald Trump stated on his social media platform that the United States has not targeted the limited number of Iranian “fast attack craft,” citing a lack of significant threat. He warned that any vessel approaching the US blockade would be destroyed immediately using methods similar to those used against drug smugglers, describing the action as “quick and brutal.”
This statement was issued shortly after the US enforced a decision to block Iranian ships entering or leaving the region, which took effect at 2:00 GMT. The remarks come amid a series of US military operations in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean since September targeting suspected drug smuggling boats, which have resulted in the deaths of more than 110 people.
Trump previously claimed that Iranian naval forces were “completely destroyed” during a six-week war between the two countries.
Additionally, the US Central Command announced that a naval blockade will be enforced in the Gulf of Oman and the eastern Arabian Sea, including the Strait of Hormuz. The command specified that any ship entering or leaving the area without permission would be subject to interception, diversion, or seizure.
