The US president stated that Iran’s military strength had been completely destroyed, but he acknowledged that Tehran could still easily launch a drone or two.
On the 15th day of the conflict with Iran, US President Donald Trump appealed to other nations to dispatch ships to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump had previously stated that the US Navy would soon commence escorting tankers through the strait.
Taking to his social media platform, Trump remarked, “Many nations—particularly those affected by Iran’s attempts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz—will deploy warships to join forces with the United States of America in keeping the strait open and secure.”
The US president asserted that Iran’s military capabilities had been 100 percent neutralized; however, he acknowledged that it remained “easy for Tehran to launch a drone or two, drop mines, or fire short-range missiles anywhere on or within this waterway—regardless of how decisively they have been defeated.”
The American president further added, “It is hoped that China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and other nations affected by this artificial obstruction will dispatch vessels to the region, ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz no longer poses a threat from a nation whose leadership has been completely decimated.”
Iran’s foreign minister appealed to Middle Eastern nations on Saturday to expel “foreign forces.”
Responding to a Truth Social post by Trump, Saeed Abbas Araghchi wrote, X: “The so-called US security umbrella has proven to be riddled with holes and, rather than averting trouble, is inviting it. The US is now begging others—even China—for help in securing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran appeals to its brotherly neighbors to expel foreign aggressors, particularly given that their sole concern is Israel.”
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced that he had “eliminated” military sites on Kharg Island, the primary terminal for handling Iran’s oil exports.
He warned that if Tehran continues to interfere with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s oil infrastructure could be the next target.
Reports indicate that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz around March 1st. This narrow waterway is one of the world’s most critical energy routes, typically handling approximately 20 million barrels of oil shipments daily and accounting for roughly 20 percent of the global trade in liquefied natural gas.
In his first statement since assuming office, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, asserted that the Strait should remain closed to serve as leverage against the United States and warned that attacks in the region would continue.
On Thursday, a news anchor on state television read his message; he did not appear on camera.
He warned that US military bases in the region could face attacks if they remain active.
He stated, “I advise them to shut down those bases as soon as possible, for by now they must have realized that America’s claim of establishing security and peace was nothing but a lie.”