U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 13th (local time) that he plans to hit Iran very hard next week.
Reuters reported that Trump stated accordingly in a Fox News interview aired that morning, explaining the situation in the Middle East.
Trump said that, regarding the protection of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Navy would provide escort if necessary. However, he also said, "I hope the situation works out very well, and we'll have to see what happens." It was not confirmed whether the interview was conducted the day before.
Trump also wrote on his Truth Social platform that day, calling Iran "deranged trash" and saying, "Watch what happens today." He added, "Iran has been killing innocent people across the world for 47 years, and as the 47th president of the United States, I am taking them down."