Trump Warns Iran: ‘I Could Use Military Force Right Now’ if US Allies or Ships Are Threatened

WASHINGTON, Nov 13: US President Donald Trump has warned that he would not hesitate to use military force against Iran, saying military action could come "right now" if Tehran threatens American allies or ships.

In an interview with Salem News Channel on Thursday, Trump was asked whether he would hesitate to use force to prevent Iran from threatening US allies and maritime vessels.

"No hesitation. We're doing very well with it right now," Trump replied.

He added: "But the answer is, if I saw things going the other way, I would do that, and it's possible I would do it right now."

The remarks signal that Washington is keeping military options open amid continuing tensions with Tehran and the confrontation over maritime security in the Gulf.

Trump also claimed that the United States had suffered no military losses in the preceding five months and asserted that Washington had established complete control over the Gulf.

"We haven't lost a soldier in five months, and we control the Gulf," he said, adding, "Totally control it."

Trump also defended the US naval blockade against Iran, indicating that Washington was prepared to maintain the pressure even if it took as long as 26 months to bring down the Iranian leadership.

Asked about the possibility of a prolonged blockade, Trump claimed that Iran's leadership was already facing severe economic and military difficulties.

"The regime is collapsing, and their press is much different than the facts," he said.

He further claimed that Iran's inflation had reached 301 percent, its economy was in ruins, its soldiers were not being paid, and its military, navy and air force had been effectively destroyed.

Trump accused Iranian officials of projecting confidence through public statements that did not reflect the country's actual situation.

He warned that Washington would consider further military action if developments did not proceed as expected.

"If something doesn't work out, I would not hesitate," he said.

Trump's latest warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the US naval blockade, maritime security and Iran's military capabilities.

His remarks also come against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, to find a way out of the prolonged confrontation.

Although Trump has recently indicated that he would prefer to maintain the current situation rather than launch another major military campaign, his latest comments make clear that military action remains an option if he considers US interests or regional allies threatened.