According to anadolu agency, Donald Trump on Monday warned that Iran’s remaining “fast attack ships” would be “immediately eliminated” if they approach US-enforced maritime restrictions around Iranian ports, escalating already high tensions in the region.
“Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, ‘fast attack ships,’ because we did not consider them much of a threat,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
“Warning, If any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade, they will be immediately eliminated, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at sea.”
The remarks came as United States Central Command (CENTCOM) began implementing a sweeping blockade affecting maritime traffic entering and exiting ports in Iran.
Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations said that, effective from 1400 UTC on Monday, maritime access restrictions were being enforced across Iranian ports and coastal areas. The agency noted that the measures apply to vessels of all flags engaging with Iranian ports, oil terminals, or coastal facilities.
According to UKMTO, the restrictions cover the entirety of Iran’s coastline, including key ports and energy infrastructure. However, it added that transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian destinations is not currently being blocked, though vessels may encounter increased military presence, directed communications, or inspection procedures.
Neutral vessels already docked at Iranian ports have been granted a limited grace period to depart, with further instructions expected through official maritime notices.
Meanwhile, reports citing a senior US official indicate that more than 15 American warships have been deployed to support the blockade operation.
The situation follows renewed threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which on Sunday warned they would respond “severely” to any military vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively shut down access to the strategic waterway in response to US-Israeli strikes that began on Feb. 28, further heightening fears of a broader regional confrontation.
