Antiwar.com reported that President Donald Trump told reporters to expect more U.S. attacks on Iranian tankers, adding, “The attacks are made by us. We’ve knocked out nine of their ships… and you’re going to see a lot more.” The outlet said the remarks came at Joint Base Andrews before Trump boarded Air Force One for a trip to Dallas, Texas, to attend the Republican Midterm Convention. According to the same report, Trump also said many Iranian tankers were “donezo.”
Context and competing claims
Antiwar.com framed the comments against a backdrop of Iranian strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan and attacks on multiple commercial ships, which the outlet described as retaliation for what it reported as U.S. Central Command bombing five Iranian tankers. One reporter referenced “a lot of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz,” and Antiwar.com quoted Trump responding that the U.S. was responsible for those attacks.
Iran says it targeted U.S. vessels; U.S. denies destroyers were hit
Antiwar.com reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted two U.S. vessels, eight oil tankers, and 10 other ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military, per the same account, denied Iranian claims that two U.S. Navy destroyers were struck.
Commercial shipping hit; one death reported
Reuters, as cited by Antiwar.com, reported that multiple commercial ships were struck in the region and that at least one seafarer was killed on an oil products tanker off the coast of Dubai. Antiwar.com also said Iran had warned it would target ships near Kuwait and the UAE and urged crews to evacuate, and that the U.S. issued a similar warning before it began bombing the Iranian tankers on Tuesday.
Strikes in Jordan and casualty caveats
Antiwar.com wrote that the Iranian strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan appeared heavier than recent rounds. Citing U.S. officials, the New York Times reported “minimal damage,” no U.S. troop deaths, and acknowledged that some soldiers might later report traumatic brain injuries.
Election prediction and talks
According to Antiwar.com, Trump predicted the war would end “immediately after the election,” alleging Iran wants to influence the midterms, and added that the U.S. is not currently interested in negotiations with Iran.
