Share and Follow
In a bold statement today, Donald Trump asserted that the United States has thoroughly defeated Iran on military and economic fronts. Despite this claim, he urged international collaboration to secure the critical 39-kilometer-wide strait.
Trump declared on Truth Social, “We have completely dismantled 100 percent of Iran’s military strength. However, despite their weakened state, they still have the capability to deploy drones, set mines, or launch missiles within this strategic waterway.”
He continued by calling on global powers like China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others impacted by these tensions to dispatch naval forces to the region. “The goal is to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer a threat, as Iran’s influence has been significantly diminished,” Trump emphasized.
He also outlined the United States’ military strategy, stating, “Meanwhile, we will continue aggressive actions against any Iranian vessels, ensuring the strait is OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
The U.S. plans to collaborate with affected nations to ensure the reopening and security of the Strait of Hormuz.
It comes just a day after the US bombed Kharg Island – Iran’s coral outcrop that produces 90 per cent of the country’s oil supply, or 950 million barrels, each year.
Trump said he has only struck military targets and left oil infrastructure unharmed, but warned that he will “immediately reconsider” if ships are not allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz carries oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran to markets in Asia, including Iran’s main customer, China.
While there are limited options for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to avoid the passage, most have no alternate route.
The Islamic regime has vowed to block the region’s oil exports, saying it would not allow “even a single litre” to be shipped to its enemies.
The Strait of Hormuz’s closure has disrupted oil supply across the world, causing prices to surge to $US100 per barrel.
Fuel prices are feared to only increase, with prices at the pump exceeding $2 across Australia.
Australia, which imports 90 per cent of its oil, has also released 20 per cent of its petrol and diesel stock to help areas experiencing low supply.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen this week confirmed the country has 1.6 billion litres of petrol, 2.7 billion litres of diesel and 800 million litres of jet fuel available – translating to 37 days’ worth of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 29 days of jet fuel.
Political scientist Simon Jackson said Australia is at the end of the fuel supply chain and suggested there could be more pain.
“The game theory element of this is Iran could be holding back, digging in for protracted conflict, because the longer that they can make this thing go, the more pain comes onto the West through what’s happening,” he told Today.
– With Associated Press
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.