Trump: We Will Keep the Strait of Hormuz Open by Any Means

SadaNews - US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that several countries will join the United States in sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure that the shipping lane remains open and safe, amid tensions with Iran and ongoing military operations. Trump stated via his Truth Social platform that many nations affected by Iran's attempts to close the strait will join international naval efforts, pointing out that among these countries are China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and others that rely on this vital corridor for global energy trade. He also added that the United States has destroyed what he described as "100% of Iranian military capabilities," though Iran still has the means to threaten navigation by sending drones, planting mines, or launching short-range missiles in the maritime passage. Trump indicated that US forces will continue their military operations along the coast, including targeting Iranian boats and ships, with the aim of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping. The American president confirmed that the goal is to keep the strait open, safe, and free for global navigation as soon as possible. This comes after Tehran significantly halted maritime traffic through the strait since the onset of the war between them on one side and the United States and Israel on the other, with about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transported by sea passing through it. The Revolutionary Guard on March 2 confirmed the closure of the strait, stating that it will attack any ship attempting to pass through this strategic passage. However, a senior Iranian official hinted at the possibility of allowing oil tankers to pass on the condition that payment is made in Chinese yuan. The senior official told CNN on Saturday that Tehran "is considering allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, provided that oil shipments are sold in Chinese yuan." Commitment to Supreme Leader's Orders It is worth mentioning that the Iranian navy confirmed two days ago that it is committed to the orders of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who emphasized in his first message last Thursday the necessity of keeping the passage closed. Meanwhile, Trump recently indicated the possibility of sending American ships soon to escort oil tankers, although he urged ship owners to be courageous and sail through the strait.