New Delhi, May 5 -- US President Donald Trump on Monday (May 4) warned that Iran would be "blown off the face of the Earth" if it attacked American vessels escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran sharply escalated despite a fragile ceasefire.

Trump's remarks came after the United States military said it had engaged Iranian forces in and around the strategic waterway while launching "Project Freedom," a US-led mission aimed at reopening global shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels being escorted by US forces.

"Iran will be blown off the face of the Earth if they attack our ships," Trump said.

The President als...