President Donald Trump issued a stark warning Monday that Iranian vessels identified as “fast attack ships” will be destroyed without delay if they approach the U.S.-enforced blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, as American forces begin a major naval operation targeting Iran’s maritime activity.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that Iran’s naval strength has already been significantly degraded, claiming that “158 ships” have been destroyed, leaving behind only a small fleet of fast-moving boats.

“What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, ‘fast attack ships,’ because we did not consider them much of a threat,” Trump wrote.

He then delivered a direct warning regarding those vessels: “Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.”

Trump made clear that any response from U.S. forces would be immediate and forceful, describing it as “quick and brutal.” He also pointed to broader maritime enforcement efforts, saying they have significantly curtailed the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

The warning coincides with the official rollout of a large-scale U.S. naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian maritime operations.

U.S. Central Command announced that the initiative began Monday morning and applies to all ships moving in or out of Iranian ports throughout the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM stated that the blockade will be carried out “impartially against vessels of all nations,” while still allowing ships headed to destinations outside Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, an effort meant to limit disruption to international commerce.

“All mariners are advised to monitor” U.S. naval communications and coordinate with forces in the region, CENTCOM said on X, highlighting the seriousness and wide reach of the operation.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global transit point, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moving through its narrow corridor.

Recent actions by Iran to assert greater control over the waterway, including reported fees and limitations on passage, have heightened concern among U.S. officials and global shipping firms.

Trump’s latest remarks reflect an intensifying pressure campaign against Tehran, particularly as diplomatic attempts to address disputes over Iran’s nuclear program have stalled.

Military experts have long warned about the threat posed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ fast attack boats, which are built to overwhelm larger vessels through coordinated swarm tactics in the tight waterways of the Gulf.

Still, Trump’s comments indicate that the administration views that threat as manageable and believes those vessels could be dealt with swiftly.

With the blockade now in effect and tensions continuing to rise, the possibility of a direct clash in the region appears to be increasing.