WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Saturday through social media that American military forces have begun operations to clear the Strait of Hormuz, claiming all Iranian mine-laying vessels have been destroyed.
“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump stated in his social media post, claiming that “all 28” of Iran’s “mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea.”
The president has consistently claimed that U.S. forces have eliminated Iran’s naval and air capabilities while severely damaging the country’s ballistic missile and nuclear infrastructure.
However, concerns about potential Iranian strikes on commercial vessels have essentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, a vital passage for international oil transportation. The blockade of this waterway has caused significant disruptions to worldwide energy markets.
American fuel costs have risen sharply, despite the fact that the majority of petroleum passing through this strategic waterway is not destined for U.S. markets.
Meanwhile, diplomatic representatives from both nations started discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, with Pakistani officials serving as mediators during what appears to be a tentative halt in hostilities.
