Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face “complete destruction” if it attacks American vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that Iran would be “wiped off the face of the earth” if it targets U.S. ships participating in the so-called “Project Freedom”, a U.S. initiative aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. The operation has been described as an American effort to secure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, Trump announced that the operation began on May 3. On May 4, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that American forces had intercepted and destroyed several missiles and drones allegedly launched by Iran toward U.S. warships and commercial vessels transiting the strait.
Meanwhile, CNN and Fox News reported that the implementation of “Project Freedom” could seriously endanger the already fragile ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
Iran, however, has described the operation as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and stated that the presence and military activities of the United States under this framework are unacceptable.