Trump Discloses US Military Sank Dozens of Iranian Naval Vessels in Ongoing Conflict
Former US President Donald Trump has revealed that American forces destroyed dozens of Iranian naval ships during the ongoing military confrontation with Iran. In remarks made to Republican lawmakers, Trump stated that US military officials expressed a preference for sinking the vessels rather than capturing them for potential use.
"More Fun to Sink Them": Trump Recounts Military Conversation
Speaking about the naval engagements, Trump recounted questioning military officials about why the Iranian ships weren't seized instead of destroyed. "I said, 'Why don't we just capture the ship? We could use it. Why did we sink them?'" Trump revealed. "He said, 'It's more fun to sink them.' They like sinking them better."
The former president made these comments while describing US operations against Iran's navy as part of the broader conflict involving both the United States and Israel. According to Trump's account, American forces destroyed 46 Iranian ships during the campaign. "The Navy is gone laying at the bottom of the ocean. Forty-six ships," he stated, adding that he had been "a little upset" that the vessels weren't captured for potential American use.
Limited Operation with Broader Implications
Trump characterized the conflict as a limited operation launched to eliminate threats from Tehran, describing it to Republican lawmakers at his golf club in Doral, Florida. "We took a little excursion because we felt we had to do that to get rid of some people," Trump explained. "And I think you'll see it's going to be a short-term excursion."
However, the former president simultaneously signaled that the military campaign was far from concluded. "We've already won in many ways, but we haven't won enough," Trump asserted, calling for what he described as "ultimate victory" in the conflict.
Strait of Hormuz Warning and Regional Escalation
The war, launched jointly by the United States and Israel, has involved extensive air strikes on Iranian military and infrastructure targets alongside significant naval escalation. Iranian forces and allied groups have responded with missile and drone attacks across the region, while engagements near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz have disrupted this crucial global oil shipping route.
Trump issued a stern warning regarding any Iranian attempt to halt oil shipments through the strait. "If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States twenty times harder than they have been hit thus far," he declared on social media.
Global Energy Market Impact and Iranian Response
The ongoing hostilities have significantly shaken global energy markets, raising concerns about a potential wider regional war. Oil prices briefly surged to their highest levels since 2022 before moderating somewhat on hopes that the conflict might not extend indefinitely.
Meanwhile, Iran has vowed to continue its military resistance. Senior Iranian officials have stated the country is prepared for a prolonged conflict, even as heavy strikes continue across multiple cities including the capital Tehran. The situation remains fluid with continued attacks reported across the region, including incidents targeting the UAE embassy in Iraq and Hezbollah drone operations against Israel.
The conflict's broader implications extend beyond military engagements, affecting global energy supplies and creating uncertainty in international markets as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military operations.
