WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said on Saturday that U.S. military forces have begun clearing the Strait of Hormuz and claimed that Iran’s minelaying vessels have been destroyed.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the process of clearing the strait had started and that all 28 Iranian “mine dropper boats” were now at the bottom of the sea.Reports also emerged that U.S. naval ships had entered the strait, although Iranian state media denied the presence of American forces.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that U.S. operations have significantly weakened Iran’s naval and air capabilities, along with its missile and nuclear programs. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted in recent weeks due to fears of Iranian attacks on shipping. The waterway is a vital route for global oil supplies, and tensions have led to volatility in energy markets.
Despite most of the oil passing through the strait not being destined for the United States, fuel prices have risen. Meanwhile, U.S. and Iranian officials have begun talks in Islamabad under a fragile ceasefire aimed at easing tensions.
