WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will launch further heavy strikes against Iran, saying military operations will intensify in the coming days while also reiterating his administration’s plans to tighten restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, President Trump said the United States would carry out extensive military strikes on Iran on Monday night and Tuesday.
Trump said a memorandum of understanding had served as a test for Iran, but claimed Tehran failed to comply with its commitments. He added that US forces were preparing to target Mount Kolang Gaz La in central Iran.
The US president also said he enjoys strong coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and described relations between the two leaders as positive.
“At times I disagree with Netanyahu, and I let him know whenever that happens,” Trump said.
Later, while speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed US forces were rapidly weakening Iran’s military capabilities and targeting its assets linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
He said US attacks on Iran would continue overnight but added that he still believed reaching an agreement with Tehran remained possible.
Trump further claimed that imposing a blockade on Iran would be more effective than sustained bombing and asserted that Iran’s first- and second-tier leadership had been eliminated, without providing evidence for the claim.
The US president also said countries benefiting from US protection in the Strait of Hormuz should contribute financially toward the costs of maintaining security in the strategic waterway.
Earlier on Monday, Trump announced the reimposition of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to the media, he said the United States would become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz and proposed a 20 percent fee on all cargo passing through the waterway.
Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for international shipping, but the blockade would apply only to Iranian vessels and their customers.
He added that all other countries would continue to enjoy unrestricted access through the vital maritime route and that the new measures would take effect immediately.
