United States President Donald Trump says American forces have begun operations to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route that has been at the center of recent tensions with Iran.
In a post on Truth Social reported by Reuters, Trump claimed the U.S. military is “clearing out” the strategic waterway and said Iran’s fleet of mine-laying boats had been destroyed.
“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote, adding that all 28 of Iran’s so-called “mine dropper boats” are now “at the bottom of the sea.”
His comments came as reports emerged that several U.S. naval vessels had entered the strait. However, Iranian state media quickly pushed back, citing a military official who denied those claims.
For weeks, concerns over potential Iranian attacks on shipping have effectively shut down traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil corridors.
The disruption has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, even though much of the oil passing through the route doesn’t go directly to the United States.
Despite that, fuel prices in the U.S. have climbed, reflecting the wider impact on global supply.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Iranian officials have begun talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, in what many hope could lead to a broader de-escalation.
The discussions are taking place under a fragile ceasefire, with both sides under pressure to avoid further escalation.
