US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will remain open despite escalating tensions with Iran, while sharply criticizing Tehran’s leadership and defending recent US military strikes against
Iranian targets.
“The strait is open; it will be open,” Trump said, arguing that US military operations had significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities.
He added, “We’ve cut down their capability very substantially. But they’re going to fight for a while. Our military has done a fantastic job.”
Read more: One Indian Crew Member Killed, 6 Injured As Iran Strikes UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
The US President also reiterated that Washington would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, claiming recent American strikes had prevented Tehran from reaching that goal.
“Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said, adding, “If we didn’t bomb them with the B-2 bombers, they would have had a nuclear weapon long ago.”
Trump warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a grave threat to Israel and the wider West Asia.
“If they had a nuclear weapon, Israel and the Middle East probably would no longer be with us,” he said. Trump also accused Iranian leaders of reckless behavior, adding, “We just saw they sent missiles to five different countries, never even knew they were involved because they’re stone-cold crazy. We’re not going to put up with it.”
His remarks came as the United States launched additional strikes against Iran. US Central Command said the attacks were carried out at Trump’s direction, while Iranian media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and on the islands of Kish, Qeshm and Abu Musa shortly afterward.
The conflict has also spilled into the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to the UAE Defense Ministry, Iranian missiles struck two Emirati tankers in Omani territorial waters, killing one crew member. The US Central Command announced it would resume a naval blockade of vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports beginning Tuesday afternoon.
Read more: Trump Backed MBS After Saudi Crown Prince Sought US Support For Houthi Strikes: Report
Trump also suggested that US allies should help bear the financial burden of regional security. He said, “I want to be reimbursed because we’re protecting a very rich portion of the world. We’re spending money. They will do very well, but we think it’s appropriate.”
Although he argued that the United States is not dependent on Middle Eastern oil, Trump said Washington remains committed to defending its regional partners.
“We don’t need it. But we need it from the standpoint of protecting allies, including Israel, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE. We’re protecting all of them. And we’ve done a very effective job,” he said.
