Trump warns Iran of severe retaliation amid Strait of Hormuz tensions, says "blown off the face of the Earth"

Highlights:

• Trump warns Iran of total destruction if US vessels are attacked
• Reports of attacks on ships under US-led ‘Project Freedom’
• US forces reportedly destroy seven small boats in the region
• South Korea urged to join escort mission in Hormuz
• CBI extradites fugitive Mohammad Navas Kakkat Ismail from UAE

The US-Iran war issues are not yet settled, president Donald Trump, on Monday (4), in an interview, made the statement Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks American vessels escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks came amid rising tensions following reports that Iran targeted ships being guided under ‘Project Freedom,’ an initiative launched by US Central Command under presidential direction.

Trump made the mention during an interview with Fox News and later reiterated his claims on his social media platform, Truth Social. He alleged that Iranian forces had fired at vessels from other nations, including a South Korean cargo ship, navigating the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz has effectively remained closed since hostilities involving Iran escalated on February 28.

"Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it's time for South Korea to come and join the mission," Trump said.

Trump also stated that US forces had responded to the situation by destroying multiple hostile vessels. "We've shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, 'fast' Boats. It's all they have left. Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, will have a News Conference tomorrow (5) morning," he added.

Trump emphasized that the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region. "We have more weapons and ammunition at 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 up with equipment. We can use all of that stuff, and we will, if we need it," he said.