After US President Donald Trump said the United States would target Iranian ships that harass US ships in the Persian Gulf, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it would respond to any US actions against it.

Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC, said April 23, “We tell the Americans that we are serious and determined in defending our national interests, territorial waters, maritime interests, our shipping security and forces at sea and any action will be encountered with a firm, quick and effective response.” 

Salami’s comments were in response to Trump's tweet April 22, “I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.” On April 15, US officials said 11 small Iranian vessels harassed six US ships in the Persian Gulf, coming as close as 10 yards. US officials claimed they issued warnings that were not responded to. The incident lasted about an hour, according to US officials.

Salami continued, “We, too, gave orders to our military units at sea that if terrorist American ships put in danger the security of our ships and warships, their ships will be targeted.”