Iran hits back at 'threatening' Donald Trump with move risking outbreak of WW3

 Iran has tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz after it shut down for a military drill in response to an increased US presence in the Arabian sea. It seems to be a warning to the world that Iran is preparing for the inevitable if Donald Trump decides to launch an attack on Iran.

It comes as state agencies reported live fire exercises in the vital waterway, which is where 20 per cent of the world's oil travels through. It is reportedly an unexpected and rare move from Iran, and looks to be a sign that could shake the world's economy, if tensions continue to rise. Iranian media said the closure would be for several hours for 'safety and maritime concerns'.

At first, the US military's Central Command did not immediately comment on the closure or Iran's live fire drills, dubbed as the 'Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz' military drill by Iran. Mariners were also warned about the planned 'live surface firing'.

It comes as sources say America could blitz Iran within days after UK-based US Air Force jets were moved within strike range of the Middle East.

Flight-tracking data showed 250 cargo flights carrying weapons and military equipment heading to the region from the US. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has moved in and the USS Gerald Ford carrier is on the way.

Multiple fighter aircraft have been given diplomatic clearance to enter Jordanian airspace, according to open source air traffic communications. Satellite images show 12 US F-15 attack planes at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.

Open Source Intel, which monitors events in the Middle East and US, posted flight map illustrations on X showing a stream of aircraft refueling tankers heading from America across Europe towards the Gulf. The account said: “Non stop tankers on the move, absolutely nuts.”

The build-up gives the US President Donald Trump extensive strike options and suggests he may be about to order an attack.

Guided-missile destroyers steaming with the aircraft carriers can carry dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 miles and 1,000lb conventional warheads. US Navy carrier units usually operate with an attack submarine that can also launch Tomahawks.

The military manoeuvres come amid ongoing US talks with Iran in a bid to stop the Middle East nation obtaining nuclear weapons.