Trump Asserts US Will Escort Ships in Strait of Hormuz if Needed
Trump says US would escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz if the situation demands it. This signals a potential shift in maritime strategy. During a Fox News interview on Friday, the President emphasized that while he hopes for a peaceful resolution. The US is prepared to strike Iran “very hard” over the coming week. This declaration comes as the US-Israel conflict enters its 14th day, causing global oil prices to hover near $100 per barrel.
Escalation in the Gulf
The conflict has paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for Middle East oil and gas. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted that an international coalition might soon form to provide naval escorts. However, this plan depends on the US achieving complete control of the skies and degrading Iran’s missile capabilities.
Key Conflict Updates:
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Surrender Claims: Axios reports Trump told G7 leaders that Iran is “about to surrender,” claiming “Operation Epic Fury” has crippled the regime’s leadership.
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Carrier Strike Denied: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed “major damage” to the USS Abraham Lincoln, but US Central Command dismissed these reports as entirely false.
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Regional Interceptions: Turkiye’s defense ministry confirmed that NATO assets shot down a third Iranian ballistic missile in Turkish airspace this week.
Tehran Under Pressure
The Israeli military has issued urgent evacuation warnings for the Villa and Moniriyeh districts in Tehran. Cites imminent strikes on military infrastructure. Meanwhile, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned neighboring countries to shut down US bases or risk being targeted.
Despite the rhetoric, some tankers continue to navigate the straits. The White House maintains that the US has “unparalleled firepower” and is prepared to sustain operations until the Iranian regime’s military threat is neutralized.
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