Trump says US forces clearing Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces have begun clearing the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iranian mine-laying vessels have been destroyed, as tensions remain high in the region.

In a post on social media on Saturday, Trump said the US military had started operations to secure the vital waterway. “We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote, adding that all 28 of Iran’s “mine dropper boats” were now “lying at the bottom of the sea”.

Shortly before Trump’s statement, reports emerged of US naval activity in the strait. According to a journalist from Axios, citing a US official, several American ships had crossed the strategic passage on Saturday.

However, Iranian state television later quoted a military official denying the reports of US naval movements and losses.

Trump has repeatedly asserted that US forces have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy, air force, and missile programmes.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, has effectively remained disrupted in recent weeks due to fears of Iranian attacks on commercial shipping. The situation has rattled global energy markets and contributed to rising fuel prices, including in the United States.

The developments come as representatives from the United States and Iran began high-level talks in Islamabad on Saturday, hosted by Pakistan, under a fragile ceasefire aimed at easing weeks of conflict.