Donald Trump had threatened “military consequences of a level never seen before”, if Iran had placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz and did not withdraw them “immediately”.
The President of guaranteed, this Tuesday, that 10 mine-laying ships were destroyed in the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after threatening Iran with devastating consequences if it did not remove this type of devices.
“I am pleased to inform you that, in the last few hours, we attacked and completely destroyed ten minelaying ships. And more will come”, says, in a brief message published on his social networks, Truth Social, without providing further details about the location of the ships or whether they were Iranian.
Shortly before, and still unsure whether Tehran had placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the American head of state ordered him to remove them “immediately” if it was true. If Iran did not do so, Trump promised “military consequences of a level never seen before”.
The laying of mines in the Strait of Hormuz was announced by who said that a few dozen will have been placed in the last few days.
What is the Narrow of Hormuz and why is it important?
The Strait of Hormuz is located between Iran and Oman and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The sea passage is the exit route to a fifth of world oil and it is essential in the transportation of natural gas liquefied.
It is also used by Saudi Arabia, the second largest producer in the world, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The members of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) use the strait for most of their oil exports, which are mainly destined for Asia. Qatar, in fact, sends almost all of its liquefied natural gas through the strait.
White House says Navy did not escort any ships in the Strait of Hormuz
A US Navy did not escort any ship in the Strait of Hormuz, said the White House spokeswoman, contradicting a now-removed Internet post by the Secretary of Energy.
“I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted any tankers or any ships so far” in the Strait of Hormuz, said Karoline Leavitt at a press conference, referring to the strategic maritime route for global oil trade.
Minutes earlier, Energy Secretary Chris Wright had published on social media a message announcing a first escort of a vessel by US forces.
After publication, markets reacted and oil prices immediately fell.
The message of Chris Wright it was later deleted, without any public explanation.
The US President previously warned that The United States will be able to attack Iran “with much more force”, if Tehran moves forward with a blockade of the passage of oil through this sea route.
