Trump Threatens to “Eliminate” Iranian Ships as US Blockade Takes Effect
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that any Iranian vessels approaching the US-imposed maritime blockade would be “immediately eliminated,” significantly escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
According to statements reported alongside the implementation of the blockade, Trump specifically threatened Iran’s remaining “fast attack ships,” suggesting they would be targeted using the same systems the United States employs against drug trafficking vessels at sea. The remarks underscore a more aggressive posture as Washington moves to enforce its naval restrictions.
Earlier, the United States Central Command confirmed that the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports would begin on April 13 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The operation applies to vessels of all nations attempting to access Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, while maintaining freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations.
The blockade follows the collapse of US-Iran negotiations and is widely seen as a move to cut off Iran’s economic lifelines, particularly its oil exports. Analysts warn that the combination of military enforcement and direct threats raises the risk of confrontation, especially given Iran’s reliance on fast, maneuverable naval craft designed for asymmetric warfare in the region.
