President Donald Trump has said American forces could escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary amid rising tensions with Iran.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News aired on Friday, Trump said the United States was prepared to protect commercial vessels navigating the vital shipping route.
“If needed, we will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz,” the US president said.
Trump also warned that the United States would intensify its military response against Iran in the coming days.
He said Washington was ready to strike Iran “very hard over the next week,” as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Any disruption to shipping in the strait could have major implications for global oil supplies and energy markets.
Trump expressed hope that the ongoing US-led military campaign would progress successfully despite growing concerns about the stability of oil transport in the region.
Reuter.
