Washington, United States — Web Desk: Donald Trump has warned that the United States will ensure the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to safeguard global trade and oil shipments, amid escalating tensions with Iran.
In a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Washington is determined to keep the key maritime passage “open, secure and free” for international shipping.
The U.S. president expressed hope that several major economies — including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom — would deploy naval vessels to help secure the crucial waterway.
Trump said multiple nations are considering sending naval forces to protect shipping routes and prevent potential threats from Iran in the region.
He added that the United States would continue air operations against Iran and would not allow Iranian boats or warships to obstruct navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also rejected reports claiming that an Iranian strike had destroyed five U.S. tanker aircraft at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Riyadh.
According to the U.S. president, the air base had been targeted days earlier but the aircraft were not destroyed. He said four of the five aircraft sustained little or no damage and have already returned to operational service, while the fifth aircraft suffered heavier damage but is expected to be repaired soon.
The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is considered one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with nearly 20 percent of global crude oil shipments passing through the route.
