Trump: If Iran fires at U.S. ships near the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz, it will be 'erased from the face of the earth'

On May 5, U.S. President Trump threatened in an interview with Fox News Channel on the 4th that if Iran opened fire on U.S. ships near the Persian Gulf or Strait of Hormuz, it would be "erased from the surface of the earth." When asked about the US military's combat readiness, Trump said that there are only two options at present. Either Iran reaches an agreement in good faith, or the United States will eventually have to restart military operations. He said that the U.S. military's various combat readiness work is in intensive progress, and all bases have sufficient material reserves, and the U.S. military can mobilize and use these resources at any time. When asked about the possibility of successful negotiations with Iran, Trump said that Iran's attitude has become more softened than in the past. Under the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and continued pressure, Iran has "demonstrated some flexibility." (Xinhua Agency)