US President Donald Trump issues a warning to Iran, saying it will be “blown off the face of the earth” if it attacks US vessels in the Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz. The statements come after reports that Iran has fired missiles and drones at US warships and commercial vessels, and that “shots” were fired at vessels while Iran-linked activity targets attempts to reopen or secure shipping routes through the strait.
Multiple outlets describe the US as conducting an operation in the region intended to support maritime traffic and help ships trapped in the Gulf, with crews still aboard. The Guardian reports the operation begins on Monday and raises fears of a wider escalation. The US message is presented as a deterrent directed at any further attacks on American ships, with Trump framing the response as highly forceful.
Across the coverage, the central points are the US threat of extreme consequences for attacks, the reported Iranian involvement in missile/drone activity against vessels, and the US effort to move ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions.
