Iran’s leadership has been branded “lunatics” byDonald Trumpafter three US destroyers were targeted by missiles, drones and small boats in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said the “unprovoked” attacks were successfully intercepted and none of the warships were hit. In response, strikes were carried out against the “Iranian military facilities responsible”, including launch sites and command and control centres.

US headquarters said it did not seek escalation but “remains positioned and ready to protect American forces”. Following the exchange, Mr Trump warned Tehran that the US would “knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently” if they did not sign a deal to end the conflict “fast”.Iranianstate media said the country’s armed forces had exchanged fire with “the enemy” on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, while explosions were also reported elsewhere.

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The latest confrontation underscores how the waterway has become a flashpoint for the shaky ceasefire in the two-monthconflict.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US president said: “Three World Class American Destroyers just transited, very successfully, out of the Strait of Hormuz, under fire.

“There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers. 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!”

It comes after the US proposed an interim plan aimed at ending the war, although it is understood to leave the most contentious issues unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran has said it was reviewing the proposals.

Source: Daily Express :: World Feed