Trump says US forces have cleared naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz as Washington considers further pressure on Tehran and compensation claims.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States now controls the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, saying the US Navy has cleared the waterway of naval mines amid continued tensions with Iran.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Oval Office. His statement comes at a sensitive moment for relations between Washington and Tehran, with the future of maritime traffic through the key waterway remaining a major international concern.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, particularly for global energy supplies. Any disruption to the waterway can have consequences for international trade, oil markets and the wider global economy.
Trump was also asked about the next steps following recent discussions involving Iran but declined to provide detailed information. He indicated that Washington could increase pressure on Tehran, although he did not specify what additional measures might be considered.
The US president also announced plans to seek compensation from Iran for Americans killed or wounded in conflicts involving Tehran. Trump linked the demand to Iran’s own call for compensation, saying his administration would respond to the Iranian position by pursuing compensation of its own.
Trump has previously said Iran should provide compensation to families of those killed aboard the US Navy destroyer USS Cole. He also argued that Iran should be held responsible for losses suffered by Americans during conflicts in which Tehran was involved.
According to Trump, Iran had not previously sought compensation during earlier negotiations or discussions but had now unexpectedly raised the issue.
About The Author
