His remarks to Fox News came amidst reports of Iran attacking ships being guided through the Strait of Hormuz under ‘Project Freedom,’ which the US Central Command initiated at the direction of the President.
Trump expressed on his social media platform Truth Social that Iran had targeted several ships, including a South Korean cargo vessel, which was being escorted through a Strait that has effectively been closed since hostilities with Iran began on February 28.
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“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated nations regarding ship movements, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean cargo ship. Maybe it’s time for South Korea to join the mission,” Trump remarked.
The President noted that US forces have downed seven small boats and encouraged South Korea to participate in the operation in the Hormuz Strait.
“We’ve taken down seven small boats, or as they refer to them, ‘fast’ boats. That’s all they have left. Aside from the South Korean ship, there has been, at this time, no damage reported in the Strait. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, will hold a news conference tomorrow (Tuesday) morning,” the President added.
Trump informed Fox News that the US military buildup in the region is ongoing. “We possess more advanced weapons and ammunition than ever before,” Trump noted.
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“We have the best equipment. Our assets are stationed all around the globe with bases stocked with gear. We can utilize all of that if necessary,” Trump declared.
(Edited by : Jomy Jos Pullokaran)
