Trump calls Iran war a 'diversion' and predicts 'incredible results' coming
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: President Donald Trump on Thursday, April 16, described the war in Iran as a "little diversion" during a roundtable discussion on “no-tax-on-tips” and “no-tax-on-overtime” in Las Vegas.
Trump also stated that the ongoing military blockade of Iranian ports is a vital operation that will lead to "incredible results" for the United States.
Trump claims blockade will show massive results
During his talk on tax cuts, Trump defended the military action as a necessary step to stop more dangerous situations from happening.
"Despite our little diversion to the lovely country of Iran, a lovely place. But we had to do that because otherwise, bad things could happen, really bad things,” Trump said.
“I think you're going to see some incredible results, you know, for those people that question, and you're going to see some of the job we've done has been amazing," Trump added before moving to the topic of the US blockade.
He described the scene at sea as a show of force where foreign ships are turning away to avoid a confrontation.
“The ships are out there today, and they're saying, 'Don't come here. Don't even think about it.' And you have these massive tankers saying, 'Let's get the hell out of here,’” he added.
More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels… pic.twitter.com/dpWAAknzQp
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 14, 2026
CENTCOM reports successful Iranian port blockade
Earlier, the US Central Command confirmed that over 10,000 sailors, marines, and airmen are currently enforcing the perimeter.
Alongside a dozen warships and numerous aircraft, the blockade has already seen immediate results.
Furthermore, within the first 72 hours of enforcement, CENTCOM reported that 14 ships chose to turn around rather than challenge the blockade.
This effort is part of a larger strategy while the US remains in a ceasefire during 'Operation Epic Fury,' which originally began on February 28.
U.S. forces are focused, vigilant, and highly motivated as they execute a blockade on vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports. After 72 hours of enforcement, 14 vessels have turned around to comply with the blockade at the direction of American forces. pic.twitter.com/0n4dOXCx2e
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 16, 2026
Meanwhile, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has taken a firm stance, warning the new Iranian regime to "choose wisely" when deciding whether to reach a deal with the Trump administration.
During a press briefing at the Pentagon on Thursday, Hegseth noted that the military is currently reloading with even more power and better intelligence to ensure they are ready for any outcome.
Hegseth confirmed that Admiral Brad Cooper is making sure the US military "continues to implement an ironclad blockade and ensures that our forces are maximally postured to restart combat operations should this new Iranian regime choose poorly and not agree to a deal."
