Trump vows to destroy Iranian warships that get near U.S. blockade

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply escalated tensions in the Middle East, declaring that any Iranian warships approaching the newly imposed American naval blockade would be “destroyed,” according to a report by The AP. 

The warning comes as the United States formally launched a sweeping naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and coastal areas following the collapse of high-stakes peace talks between Washington and Tehran. The blockade is aimed at restricting Iran’s maritime movements and cutting off key oil export routes, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. 

In his statement, Trump made it clear that U.S. naval forces have been instructed to take immediate military action against any Iranian vessels that challenge or attempt to breach the blockade. This includes fast-attack boats operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which Washington views as a direct threat to both U.S. ships and international shipping lanes. 

The move follows days of rising friction after negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement, with the core dispute centered on Iran’s nuclear program and control over regional waterways. Despite a temporary ceasefire still technically in place, both sides have continued military preparations, raising fears of a broader confrontation. 

International reaction has been mixed, with several U.S. allies hesitant to join the blockade, instead calling for diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, global markets have already begun reacting, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes—threaten energy prices and economic stability worldwide. 

Overall, Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian warships marks one of the most aggressive signals yet in the ongoing crisis, significantly increasing the risk of direct naval conflict between the two countries.