Iran is reportedly laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz despite Donald Trump‘s warning against blocking the area, key for the transport of crude oil. Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important energy chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of all crude oil.
The US President said there’s no evidence that Iran has mined the Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor, but warned if it does, it will suffer at a “level never seen before”. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said: « If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction! »
In another post at 8.28pm, Mr Trump wrote: « I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow! President DONALD J. TRUMP. »
The US officials initially suggested the conflict in Iran could last four to six weeks, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said today that the war will conclude only when President Donald Trump decides that the military’s objectives have been achieved.
She outlined those goals as dismantling Iran’s navy, eliminating its missile arsenal and production capabilities, permanently preventing the country from obtaining nuclear weapons, and weakening its regional allies. Although she noted that the US military is “ahead of schedule” in pursuing these aims, she emphasized that the final decision rests with Trump.
She said: « Ultimately the operations will end when the commander-in-chief determines the military objectives have been met, fully realized, and that Iran is in a position of complete and unconditional surrender, whether they say it or not. »
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