Donald Trump put out a post against Iran on Truth Social after the U.S. Navy disabled an Iranian ship.
‘No More Mr. Nice Guy’: Trump Issues Chilling Warning as U.S. Marines Seize Iranian Vessel
The United States military reportedly seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, April 19, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
This comes at a time when the first round of peace negotiations -- that happened in Islamabad, Pakistan -- concluded unsuccessfully. The second round of peace negotiations between the two countries is scheduled to take place soon.
'The United States Loses Nothing'
On Sunday, April 19, Trump wrote on Truth Social criticizing Iran for firing in the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as a "Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement."
He started off criticizing them for open firing in the Strait of Hormuz, which he claimed was a “Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” He continued that a majority of the shots targeted French and British freight ships.
He announced that his representatives will go to Islamabad once again, in order to resume peace efforts.
The president blamed Iran for closing the strait and warned that if Tehran does not accept a deal, the U.S. would target Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.
"The United States loses nothing," he wrote, adding, "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"
He concluded his post by writing, “IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!”
Less than a day later, U.S. Marines reportedly conducted an amphibious assault on the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Touska after the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance disabled the ship's propulsion system when it failed to comply with repeated warnings over more than six hours.
A U.S. Central Command report states that the USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted M/V Touska as it transited the north Arabian Sea.
Video released by U.S. Central Command showed an official warning the crew of the M/V Touska: "Motor vehicle Touska, vacate your engine room. We are prepared to subject you to disabling fire."
The USS Spruance then issued a horn signal and fired several warning shots before boarding the vessel.
The Impact of a Closed Strait of Hormuz
Video released by U.S. Central Command shows an official warning the crew of M/V Touska.
Following the seizure, tensions have risen as both countries engage in peace talks in Pakistan.
Many experts opined that the demands placed by the U.S. might be difficult to agree for the Middle Eastern country.
According to The Independent, several countries, including the United Kingdom and France, acknowledged Iran's announcement that it was reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Interestingly, the U.S. has stated on numerous occasions that the strait is not crucial for their interests.
Hence, the US, Israel, and Iran could have settled their differences without launching any broader attacks. However, Trump told Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir that he would consider advice on the Strait's blockade an obstacle to peace talks with Tehran, according to Reuters.
Trump told Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Army Chief, that he’d consider his advice on the strait’s blockade to be a hurdle to peace talks with Tehran, as per Reuters.
A U.S. delegate is present in Pakistan to pursue resumed peace talks. Iran, however, has said it has no intention of restarting negotiations, accusing the United States of "aggressive" acts.
While a U.S. delegate is present in Pakistan in hopes of resuming peace talks, Iran has stated that they have no intentions to reopen talks, accusing America of its “aggressive” acts.