US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the American military has initiated operations to clear the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz, declaring the sinking of all of Iran’s minelaying ships.
Trump highlighted this action as a service to nations, including various US allies, whom he claimed lacked the resolve to undertake such tasks independently.
Throughout the ongoing Middle East conflict, Trump has criticized US allies for not participating in America’s military endeavors against Iran. He reiterated his assertions of crippling Iran’s military capabilities, stating the destruction of its Navy, Air Force, anti-aircraft systems, radar, missile, and drone facilities.
Despite Trump’s statements, concerns of Iranian attacks on shipping have led to the effective closure of the critical Strait of Hormuz, responsible for nearly 20% of global energy transportation.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump assured the imminent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also mentioned that tanker ships were en route to the US to transport oil and gas to other nations, aiming to alleviate the disruption in global energy markets.
The announcement coincided with trilateral peace talks in Islamabad aimed at resolving the conflict between Iran and the US. The negotiations involved prominent figures from both sides, including US Vice President JD Vance, Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, among others. The talks followed mediation efforts by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Iran laid out conditions for the dialogue, including demands related to the Strait of Hormuz, release of blocked assets, war reparations, and a ceasefire across the Middle East. The talks commenced following a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, as per Iranian state media reports.
The developments mark a significant step in the efforts to de-escalate tensions and seek diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict.
– Ends