US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the Earth” if it attacks American vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue to rise in the strategic waterway.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the warning relates to US operations under what he described as “Project Freedom”, while stressing that Washington’s military presence in the region is being strengthened.

The US President said he believes Iran has become “much more malleable” in ongoing negotiations, but warned that any escalation targeting US assets would trigger a severe response.

“We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before,” Trump said in the interview with correspondent Trey Yingst. “We have the best equipment… we can use all of that, and we will, if we need it.”

Trump also accused Iran of targeting vessels from other nations in the Strait of Hormuz, including a South Korean cargo ship, suggesting Seoul should consider joining the US-led mission in the region.

In a separate claim, Trump said US forces had “shot down” seven small Iranian boats, although US Central Command chief Brad Cooper had earlier stated that six vessels were sunk.

Despite the heightened rhetoric, Trump noted that, apart from the reported South Korean vessel incident, there has been no confirmed damage to ships transiting the Strait at present. (Newswire)

The post Trump warns Iran will be “blown off the face of the Earth” appeared first on Newswire.