The US has sunk several Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as part of Project Freedom, a “humanitarian” operation to "restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping” to the vital waterway.
Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command (Centcom), spoke to reporters in a press call on Monday, noting that six Iranian small boats spotted in the Strait were eliminated quickly.
"We have an enormous amount of capability and firepower concentrated in and around the strait, including 864 Apache and MH-60 Seahawk helicopters," he said.
Cooper stated that "over the last 12 hours, we've reached out to dozens of ships and shipping companies to encourage traffic flow" ... consistent with the president's intent to help guide ships safely through the narrow trade corridor."
US President Trump said Iran had taken shots at a South Korean cargo vessel, adding: "Perhaps it's time for South Korea to come and join the mission.
"We've shot down seven small boats, or as they like to call them, 'fast' boats. It's all they have left.
"Other than the South Korean ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait."
At least two US-flagged cargo vessels were able to make it through the strait unhindered on Monday, while Danish shipping giant Mersk said one of its ships had also successfully navigated the route with an American naval escort.
Meanwhile, Iran fired 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four UAVs at the United Arab Emirates on Monday, injuring three and raising fears of a resumption of war.
According to CNN, Israel’s Iron Dome system, which has been loaned to the Emiratis, shot down one of the missiles, marking the first time it has been deployed outside Israel.
Trump played down the escalation, saying it was “under control”, focusing on the efforts to ensure Tehran does not acquire nuclear weapons.
“We can't let Iran get a nuclear weapon,” he told reporters last night, adding “we are winning”, as the US blockade on US ports continues to choke Iran’s economy.
“They don't have a navy, they don't have an air force, they don't have anti-aircraft systems. They don't have aerial equipment,” he went on.
"They don't have radar, they don't have anything, they don't have leaders. In fact, the leaders, the leaders, are just gone.
"But if we let them get a nuclear weapon, you're going to have problems that nobody would believe, and it's going very well.”
The president also said in an interview with Fox News that "if Iran attacks American ships escorting vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, it will be wiped off the face of the earth".
Israel convened a cabinet meeting last night, while a military source told the JC: “The IDF is monitoring the situation and is on alert and vigilant. We emphasise that there is no change in the Home Front Command's instructions.
"Our air defence systems and offensive capabilities are on high alert, which has not changed since the ceasefire was decided.”
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