U.S. President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran, announcing the continuation of the American military buildup in the region and stressing that Washington is pressing ahead with what he described as the “freedom project” in maritime corridors.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said: “Iran will be wiped off the face of the earth if it attacks American ships carrying out the freedom project.”
He affirmed that “Iran has become more flexible in peace negotiations,” adding that “the American military buildup in the region is ongoing.”
He went on to say: “We have more weapons and ammunition, and at a far higher level than we had before,” stressing that “either the Iranians strike a deal in good faith, or we resume combat operations.”
Trump described the naval blockade imposed on Iran as “the greatest military maneuver in history,” arguing that Tehran had expanded its targeting to include countries not directly linked to the U.S.-led coalition.
He added: “Iran targeted countries that have nothing to do with the freedom project, including a South Korean cargo ship,” stressing that “perhaps the time has come for South Korea to join the freedom project.”
He also noted that U.S. forces “sank seven small Iranian boats, and that is all they had left,” affirming that “so far, no damage has been recorded during passage through the Strait of Hormuz, except for the South Korean ship.”
