US President Donald Trump on Thursday said American forces carried out strikes against Iranian radar installations on multiple occasions and conducted covert naval operations to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the efforts as essential to safeguarding global energy supplies.

Speaking during an interview with CNBC’s Joe Kernen, Trump claimed the United States had responded to threats against commercial vessels by repeatedly targeting Iranian radar systems while using naval escorts to ensure oil tankers could continue operating in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.

Trump Claims Repeated Strikes On Iranian Radar Systems

Detailing the alleged military operations, Trump said US forces had struck Iranian radar facilities on three separate occasions after Tehran attempted to restore its capabilities.

“We blew up Iran’s radar; they had no radar, they still don’t. We blew it up again the other night. They had a nice new radar; they were all set to go, and we blew it up last week. They have to start all over again for a third time,” Trump said.

When asked whether the United States was prepared for further military action, Trump responded, “We have all the assets.”

US Navy Escorted Tankers Through Strait Of Hormuz

Trump also described what he called an extensive US naval operation in the region, referring to it as “a wall of steel” rather than a formal blockade.

“I did a blockade that was essentially not a blockade; it was a wall of steel. We have the great Navy, the greatest navy in the world. These guys are unbelievable. Not one ship got through to Iran,” he said.

According to Trump, the US Navy quietly guided commercial oil tankers through the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, away from areas where Iranian forces could potentially threaten shipping. He said the operation continued for around six weeks and was conducted under strict secrecy.

“Every night, we were taking ships out through the South, which is the furthest point from where they have their little weapons, and they were going along the coast with no lights for a month and a half,” Trump said.

He further claimed that as many as 22 vessels were escorted on a single night. “We had one night where we took 22 ships out. That’s a lot of oil.”

“Our Navy took them out. We escorted them out, and nobody knew. The lights were off, everything was off, everything was silent,” he added.

Trump Defends Decision To Keep Strait Open

Trump said his administration deliberately chose not to shut down the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions with Iran, arguing that such a move would have had severe consequences for the global economy and energy markets.

“If I want to be the tough guy and close up the Strait for the next few years, where 20 per cent or 21 per cent of the oil never comes out, and you can’t get oil anymore, oil will be USD 350 a barrel, and there’ll be a depression,” he said.

The President also argued that Iran’s economic and military position had deteriorated significantly. He claimed the country was facing soaring inflation and major losses within its military leadership.

“They have 300 per cent inflation, they’re making no money,” Trump said.

Rejecting media reports suggesting Iran had emerged stronger despite the conflict, Trump criticised coverage by The New York Times.

“The New York Times said the other day that Iran is in a better position now than it was four months ago,” he said.

Trump added, “I said, wait a minute, their military is gone. Their inflation is up to 300 per cent from 5 per cent. Their leaders are gone. Their second row of leaders is gone. Some of their third row of leaders are gone. Their generals are mostly wiped out.”

He also said the United States hoped to eventually supply agricultural commodities to Iran, including corn, wheat and soybeans, through American farmers.

“They need food. They need corn, wheat, and soybeans, and we’re going to have exclusively our American farmers provide that. Assuming we get to the position where we should get to,” Trump said.

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