President Trump on Monday threatened to blow up Iranian ships that attempt to disrupt his blockade of Iranian ports, as both sides jockey for leverage during a tenuous ceasefire.
Mr. Trump said the U.S. military had “completely obliterated” much of Iran’s navy, including 158 ships. He said smaller, faster vessels were spared because they were not seen as much of a threat.
“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,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It is quick and brutal.”
The president was referring to airstrikes that have destroyed boats in the Caribbean and surrounding waters in recent months. Members of Congress and the international community have questioned the legality of the strikes, though Mr. Trump said it was an effective way to deter traffickers.
Mr. Trump warned Iran as he implemented a blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s decision to restrict traffic along the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for oil exports. Iran says it will only allow ships to pass if they pay a toll to Tehran.
The blockade is the latest flashpoint in the war, which started Feb. 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 7, but Pakistan-mediated talks over the weekend failed to result in a long-lasting agreement and both sides quit the negotiations.
The price of Brent crude oil, an international benchmark, rose to $100 per barrel again due to supply concerns from the conflict.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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