US President Donald Trump announced that American military forces have commenced operations to “clear out” the Strait of Hormuz, targeting and destroying Iranian minelayer vessels. He declared on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the process of clearing the strategic waterway was underway, with all 28 of Iran’s mine dropper boats reportedly sunk to the seabed.
Trump has made similar assertions in recent weeks, claiming that US forces have dealt significant blows to Iran’s naval and air capabilities, as well as impairing its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. These statements come amid heightened tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, concerns over potential Iranian attacks on commercial shipping have disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. This disruption has tightened oil supplies and unsettled energy markets worldwide. Although the majority of oil passing through the strait is not destined for the United States, global oil prices have risen, contributing to increased gasoline costs in the US.
In a significant development, representatives from the United States and Iran reportedly initiated talks in Islamabad on Saturday, with Pakistan hosting the discussions. These efforts aim to sustain a fragile ceasefire between the two nations amid ongoing regional tensions.
