President Donald Trump has branded the Iranian leadership as “lunatics” after three US destroyers came under attack from missiles, drones, and small boats in the Strait of Hormuz. The “unprovoked” assaults were successfully intercepted, with no direct hits on the warships, according to the US military. American forces retaliated by striking Iranian military sites.
Trump’s response on Truth Social
“Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire,” the US leader wrote on Truth Social on Thursday night. America then attacked “Iranian military facilities responsible”, including launch sites and command and control centres. “There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers,” Mr Trump continued. “They were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats, which are being used to take the place of their fully decapitated Navy.”
He added: “A normal Country would have allowed these Destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal Country. They are led by LUNATICS, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question – But they’ll never have that opportunity and, just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!”
Iranian and regional reactions
Iranian state media reported that the country’s military exchanged fire with “the enemy” on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with explosions also reported elsewhere. The exchange of strikes occurs amid reports that the two sides are nearing an agreement to end the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over two months. However, a US proposal is said to have avoided key sticking points, including a resolution to Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran has stated it is reviewing the suggestions.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates reported that its air defences were “actively engaging” with a missile and drone attack early on Friday. “The UAE’s air defences are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks originating from Iran, and the ministry of defence confirms that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones,” read a post by the defence ministry on X.
Trump’s comments on ceasefire and deal prospects
Mr Trump told reporters in Washington that the ceasefire was holding despite the violence. “They trifled with us today. We blew them away,” he said, before adding: “They have to understand – if it (a deal) doesn’t get signed, they’re going to have a lot of pain.” He said about a possible deal: “It could happen any day,” before adding, “and it might not happen”. Pakistan, which has been mediating in the conflict, said it expected an agreement soon, and that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad remained in “continuous contact with Iran and the United States, day and night, to stop the war and extend the ceasefire.”
