U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s navy has been “completely obliterated” and warned that any vessels approaching the U.S.-led blockade near the Strait of Hormuz would be “immediately eliminated,” escalating rhetoric as the maritime operation appears to already be underway.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran’s navy was “laying at the bottom of the sea,” adding that 158 ships had been destroyed. He said remaining Iranian fast-attack boats were not initially targeted but warned they would be struck if they approached the blockade zone.
“If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED,” Trump wrote, comparing the enforcement approach to U.S. anti-drug operations at sea. He also claimed that 98.2% of drugs entering the United States by sea had been stopped.
The remarks came as U.S. forces began enforcing maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz region, focusing on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, according to officials. The operation marks a sharp escalation in pressure on Tehran amid ongoing tensions over nuclear negotiations and regional security.
Israeli officials said the move comes amid full coordination with Washington. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers that Israel and the United States are “in constant coordination” and described the relationship as unprecedented.
“There is no disconnect between us,” Netanyahu said, adding that he had recently spoken with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on developments in negotiations with Iran.
According to Netanyahu, talks collapsed after what he called a “blatant violation” by Iran of conditions for entering negotiations. He said the United States is now focused on preventing uranium enrichment in Iran for “years — possibly decades.”
Pakistani officials involved in mediation efforts said there remains a possibility of renewed U.S.-Iran talks, though no breakthrough has been reported.
Despite uncertainty over the diplomatic track, officials in Washington have indicated that large-scale bombing is less likely than limited military strikes if tensions escalate further.