President Donald Trump on Monday warned Iran that its "fast attack ships" will be "immediately eliminated" if they approach the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
Trump used Truth Social to say Iran's naval capabilities have already been largely destroyed, saying "158 ships" have been wiped out, leaving only a limited number of smaller, high-speed vessels.
"What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, 'fast attack ships,' because we did not consider them much of a threat," Trump wrote.
"Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED."
The president emphasized that U.S. forces would respond swiftly and decisively, describing the approach as "quick and brutal," while also pointing to broader maritime enforcement efforts that he said have dramatically reduced drug trafficking into the U.S.
The warning comes as the U.S. military formally implements a sweeping naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime activity.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that the operation began Monday morning, covering all vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
According to CENTCOM, the blockade will be enforced "impartially against vessels of all nations" while maintaining freedom of navigation for ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations — a critical distinction aimed at minimizing disruption to global trade.
"All mariners are advised to monitor" U.S. naval communications and coordinate with forces in the region, CENTCOM said on X, underscoring the seriousness and scope of the operation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most vital energy chokepoints, with 20% of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Iran's recent efforts to exert control over the strait — including reports of tolls and restricted passage — have raised alarms in Washington and among international shipping companies.
Trump's latest warning signals a continued escalation in the administration's pressure campaign against Tehran, particularly as diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions over Iran's nuclear program have faltered.
Defense analysts note that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' use of fast attack craft has long been a concern for U.S. naval forces, as the small, maneuverable vessels are designed to swarm larger ships in the confined waters of the Gulf.
However, Trump's comments suggest the administration believes the IRGC threat can be quickly neutralized.
With the blockade underway and tensions high, the risk of confrontation in the region is growing.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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