US President Donald Trump warned on Monday (May 4th) that Iran would be “dropped off the face of the earth” if it attacked US vessels escorting merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated sharply despite a fragile ceasefire.
Trump’s remarks came after the United States military said it had engaged Iranian forces in and around the strategic waterway as it launched “Project Freedom,” a US-led mission to reopen global shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claims Iran attacked escorted ships
In an interview with Fox News, Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels escorted by US forces.
“Iran will be wiped off the face of the earth if they attack our ships,” Trump said.
The president also claimed on Truth Social that Iran had attacked commercial vessels, including a South Korean cargo ship, moving under US protection.
“Iran has fired several missiles at non-United States with respect to the Movement of Ships, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean cargo ship,” Trump wrote.
“Maybe it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission,” he added.
Trump further claimed that US forces destroyed seven Iranian “speed boats”.
“We shot down seven small boats, or as they like to call them, ‘fast’ boats. That’s all they have left,” Trump said.
He also hinted at continued military preparedness in the region.
“We have more weapons and ammunition of a much higher grade than we had before,” Trump said.
“We have the best equipment. We have stuff all over the world. We have these bases all over the world. They’re all stocked with equipment. We can use all that stuff and we will if we need to,” he added.
The US military says the Iranian threats have been intercepted
The U.S. military confirmed that U.S. forces were countering Iranian attacks while protecting commercial shipping lanes.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), said Iran had fired cruise missiles, drones and small boats at civilian vessels under US protection.
According to Cooper, US military helicopters have sunk six Iranian boats threatening commercial shipping.
“Every threat has been defeated,” Cooper told reporters.
“US commanders who are on the ground have all the authority necessary to defend their unit and to defend commercial shipping — as we saw and demonstrated today,” he added.
CENTCOM also confirmed that two US-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz under naval escort as part of “Project Freedom”.
The US military says it has created a protected shipping corridor free of Iranian sea mines.
Read also | Trump says US will “walk” stranded ships through Strait of Hormuz
UAE reports missile and drone strikes
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said it had come under direct Iranian attack for the first time since the ceasefire took effect in early April.
The UAE Ministry of Defense said Iran had fired four cruise missiles towards the country. Three were captured while one reportedly fell into the sea.
Authorities in Fujairah said an Iranian drone struck a major oil facility and sparked a fire that injured three Indian nationals.
The UK Military Maritime Commercial Operations (UKMTO) also reported two cargo vessels on fire off the UAE coast.
“These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable violation,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Four missile alerts were issued across the United Arab Emirates on Monday, forcing residents to seek shelter. Several commercial aircraft bound for Dubai and Abu Dhabi reportedly turned back mid-flight.
Iran warns foreign military forces
Iran has defended its actions and warned foreign militaries against operating in the strategic waterway.
Major General Ali Abdollahi of Iran’s military command said vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz must coordinate with Iranian authorities.
“We warn that any foreign military force – especially an aggressive US military – that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” Abdollahi told state broadcaster IRIB.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA dismissed “Project Freedom” as part of Trump’s “delirium”.
Iranian media also reported that Iranian naval forces fired cruise missiles, missiles and combat drones near US destroyers as “warning shots”.
Global energy markets shaken
The renewed confrontation has heightened concerns about global energy security and maritime trade.
The Strait of Hormuz provides a substantial part of the world’s export of oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran’s de facto closure of the waterway since the conflict began in February has already driven up global fuel prices and disrupted supply chains.
Shipping companies and insurance companies are now reassessing the risks following new missile and drone attacks in the region.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts remain at a standstill. Iran has reportedly demanded that the US lift sanctions, end its naval blockade and withdraw forces from the region in exchange for an end to hostilities.
Read also | UAE says Iranian drone attack on Fujairah oil site injures three Indians
