President Donald Trump has issued a serious warning to Iran, saying that if they target U.S. ships in the Strait of Hormuz, they will be “blown off the face of the earth.” The warning came during a 20-minute phone call with Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst, where Trump spoke about the ongoing U.S. mission in the region known as “Project Freedom.”
Yingst reported that Trump stressed the importance of guiding vessels safely through the Strait of Hormuz and made it clear that any Iranian attempt to attack U.S. ships would bring severe consequences. “We’re talking about more than 20,000 sailors who are currently trapped in the Persian Gulf,” Yingst said, per Mediaite.
He added, “And the President told Fox he’s doing this for humanity. Some of these sailors were running out of food and supplies on these vessels due to the Iranian threats that are ongoing in this area.” CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper confirmed that multiple attempts had already been made to attack U.S. vessels and merchant ships in the area. He said U.S. forces had successfully shot down several small boats and intercepted drones launched by Iran.
Project Freedom is drawing skepticism, but the humanitarian stakes are very real
The U.S. military has deployed multiple Navy-guided missile destroyers in the Gulf to protect commercial shipping. Iran has responded by launching cruise missiles and combat drones near U.S. warships, though no U.S. ships have been officially hit. The Navy has successfully escorted several vessels through the Strait of Hormuz so far.
Trump’s “Project Freedom” has faced some skepticism from parts of the shipping industry, with concerns about how long the plan can be maintained and whether it could trigger further conflict. However, Trump has described the mission as a “humanitarian gesture” by the U.S. to free stranded ships and their crew members.
Trump has also been making headlines on other political fronts, including his calls to impeach House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries over a Supreme Court comment. Hundreds of vessels and thousands of crew members have been stuck in the area due to Iranian attacks and threats.
The crisis has also pushed oil prices above $110 a barrel, while the national average gas price in the U.S. has risen to $4.46. Neither side has shown much optimism about reaching a deal to end the conflict, with Tehran still reviewing the latest U.S. counterproposal.
According to NBC News, in a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!” Trump also claimed that the U.S. had shot down seven small boats, adding that it’s “all they have left.”
Meanwhile, his administration continues to face scrutiny on other matters, such as the months of evidence behind the Comey case that his Acting AG says the public has not yet seen. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, and it is one of the most important shipping routes in the world, with over 20% of the world’s oil passing through it.
The U.S. has a significant military presence in the broader region, with bases in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and has been operating in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz for years to protect commercial shipping and keep oil routes open.
Published: May 5, 2026 09:30 am