WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has warned of continued military operations around the Strait of Hormuz, urging other nations to help ensure the vital shipping route remains open.
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In a social media statement, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened but cautioned that Tehran could still carry out limited attacks, including drone or missile strikes. He also raised concerns over the potential for Iran to deploy naval mines, which could threaten international shipping.
Trump expressed hope that countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would contribute naval vessels to help maintain security in the waterway.
The US President also reiterated that Washington would continue heavy bombardment along coastal areas near the strait and target Iranian boats if necessary, emphasizing the goal of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and safe for global navigation.
Since the launch of “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28, the US has deployed billions of dollars’ worth of military hardware to weaken Iran’s defense capabilities. The arsenal includes drones capable of long-range strikes, torpedoes, long-range missiles, and F-35 stealth fighter jets — the latter being used in combat for the first time despite 20 years of development.
Drone units cost approximately $35,000 each, while high-precision missiles with a 500-kilometer range are valued at $1.5 million. Each F-35 jet costs around $80 million, and a new variant of the Tomahawk missile is reportedly being used at $2 million per unit.
International analysts note that the ongoing conflict underscores the disparity between the United States’ military might and Iran’s determination to resist.
