Trump: "Iran is Led by Madmen" After Hormuz Explodes
Iranian forces targeted three US destroyers with missiles, drones, and explosive boats overnight. No US casualties were reported as American forces retaliated against military targets.
A dramatic escalation occurred in the Middle East overnight as heavy fire was exchanged between United States forces and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident began around 9:45 PM with reports of massive explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island.
The Pentagon: "A Combined Attack"
The US military issued an official update this morning confirming the details of the severe clash. According to the statement, Iranian forces launched a coordinated attack involving missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and attack boats against three US destroyers navigating international waters.
"None of our ships were hit," the Pentagon clarified, adding that US forces intercepted the threats and responded with targeted counter-strikes against Iranian military facilities in self-defense.
Targets destroyed by the US include:
The US emphasized that while they do not seek further escalation, they remain prepared to defend their forces.
Trump: "Love Taps" and Warning of Total Destruction
President Donald Trump addressed the events in an interview with ABC and on Truth Social. Describing the American response as "love taps," he noted that the official ceasefire remains technically in place.
Trump detailed that the three destroyers successfully crossed the strait under fire without sustaining damage, while the Iranian side suffered heavy losses.
"Many small boats were destroyed and went to the bottom of the sea quickly and efficiently. Missiles were easily shot down, and drones were burned in mid-air," Trump posted.
The President launched a scathing attack on the leadership in Tehran: "A normal country would have allowed the destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal country. It is led by madmen who would undoubtedly use nuclear weapons if given the chance. They will never have that chance. Just as we repelled them today—we will eliminate them much harder and with much more violence if they do not sign a deal."
Conflicting Reports from Tehran
In Iran, officials were quick to issue threats. A spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces accused the US of violating the ceasefire, vowing that Tehran would "respond powerfully and without hesitation to any attack."
Local Iranian news agencies provided conflicting accounts:
Additionally, Iran claimed to have downed two "hostile" drones and reported that a pier on Qeshm Island was damaged during the exchange.
Regional Impact and "Operation Liberty"
The tension spread across the region this morning as authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported the activation of air defense systems, though the specific target of the interception remains unclear.
Amidst the chaos, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is considering relaunching "Operation Freedom" as early as this week. The operation aims to break the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The plan, which was previously paused due to concerns from Gulf allies, is expected to proceed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifted restrictions on US military activity. This move will allow the US to use regional bases and airspace to provide military escorts for commercial vessels.
Israeli security officials have categorically denied any involvement in the explosions or the recent events in the Gulf.