US President Donald Trump claimed he is "number one" on Iran's alleged kill list while accusing Tehran of violating the June ceasefire agreement, as military tensions between the two countries escalated following fresh exchanges of strikes in the Gulf.
Speaking during the NATO summit in Türkiye, Trump said he would not return to the United States aboard a Boeing aircraft gifted by Qatar, claiming security concerns were a factor.
"There's another list that came out yesterday; I'm number one on — I like being number one on TikTok better, but I'm number one on the list for killing," Trump told reporters.
Instead, he said he would travel on an older aircraft previously used as Air Force One.
US-Iran tensions intensify
The remarks came despite a ceasefire outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June.
Over the past 24 hours, tensions have risen after Iran reportedly targeted ships in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the United States to carry out strikes on Iranian air defence systems, radar installations and naval vessels.
Iran later responded by launching attacks on military sites in the Gulf. US officials said no American casualties were reported.
Trump accuses Iran of violating ceasefire
Trump accused Tehran of repeatedly breaching the ceasefire agreement and said he was "not happy" with Iran's actions.
He alleged Iran fired drones and missiles at ships and described the country as the "bully of the Middle East" for nearly five decades.
"I don't think the deal with Iran is going to hold," Trump said.
Warns of further military action
The US president said Washington could launch additional strikes on Iranian targets if necessary.
He claimed US forces destroyed 28 Iranian boats overnight and warned that more vessels could be targeted.
Trump also reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
"If Iran had an atomic bomb, it would have used it," he said.
Mentions Kharg Island and sanctions
Trump said the United States could prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons even without a diplomatic agreement.
He also suggested Washington could target Iran's power and water infrastructure if required, though he said he hoped such action would not become necessary.
In addition, Trump claimed the US could occupy Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal, and indicated that a blockade against Iran could be reimposed.
