US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that the United States has “almost total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran escalated following a fresh wave of American strikes. Trump also said Iran’s economy was “totally collapsing” and dismissed reports that Washingto...
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that the United States has “almost total control” of the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran escalated following a fresh wave of American strikes. Trump also said Iran’s economy was “totally collapsing” and dismissed reports that Washington was trying to bring Tehran back to negotiations.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was not interested in forcing Iran into signing an agreement. “I’m not trying to force Iran to the bargaining table, as ABC Fake News reported. I couldn’t care less if they sign a worthless, to them, agreement. I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing. They are just playing out the inevitable,” he said. Trump also asked, “When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”
His remarks came after US Central Command said it had completed a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian military targets, including air defence sites, radar systems, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites. Centcom said the strikes followed “attempted attacks” by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. IRNA claimed that the IRGC Aerospace Force targeted the US Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, hitting RQ-4 and MQ-9 UAV hangars. Jordan’s military said it intercepted 10 missiles, while three landed in unpopulated areas.
Iranian state media also reported strikes on civilian locations in southern Iran, including a home hosting a wedding in Kuhestak. Local officials said five people, including a child, were killed and at least 68 were wounded. Centcom said it was aware of the reports but noted that they originated from Iranian state media. “The U.S. military never targets civilians, unlike the IRGC,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins.
Iran has vowed a “crushing and devastating” response, while the renewed fighting has pushed oil prices higher. The escalation comes despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian saying Tehran was ready to return to the interim ceasefire deal if Washington did the same...