President Trump Announces Clearing of Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions with Iran
President Trump announced that American forces have begun clearing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. In a social media post, Trump stated that the strait would soon be open, with ships already heading to the United States to load energy supplies. He claimed that all 28 of Iran's mine-laying vessels had been destroyed, although these assertions could not be independently verified. The announcement coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts between U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Pakistan, aimed at maintaining a fragile ceasefire following weeks of conflict. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding military activity in the strait, with U.S. officials confirming the transit of Navy ships as part of a freedom-of-navigation operation, while Iranian state television reported threats against a U.S. vessel. 
