Hostilities in the region flared again on Monday, with reports that Iran targeted the United Arab Emirates.
US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks American ships, as escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz push the fragile truce between both countries to the brink of collapse.
Hostilities in the region flared again on Monday, with reports that Iran targeted the United Arab Emirates.
Trump also claimed that the US military shot down seven small Iranian boats near the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump emphasized Washington’s military strength and repeated his warnings to Tehran.
“We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before,” he said.
“We have the best equipment. We have stuff all over the world. We have these bases worldwide.
They’re all stocked up with equipment. We can use all of that stuff, and we will, if we need it.”
The US military on Monday began implementing Trump’s plan—dubbed “Project Freedom” aimed at escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz and breaking what Washington describes as an Iranian blockade of the vital shipping route.
US officials said two American merchant vessels were successfully guided through the strait, though ship-tracking data indicates that maritime traffic in the area remains largely halted.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said vessels stranded in the region involve ships from 87 countries, describing them as “innocent bystanders” caught up in the conflict.
“Over the last 12 hours, we’ve reached out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic flow through the [Strait of Hormuz], consistent with the president’s intent to help guide ships safely through a narrow trade corridor,” Cooper said.
However, it remains unclear how shipping operators have responded to the US assurances.
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