Donald Trump has hinted that US will start to finish his fight with Iran while he left the issue of the Strait of Hormuz to “other nations”.
The US president announced last night that his military is “coming very close to meeting our objectives” on the 21st day of the war that began with Israel.
Posting on Truth Social, he said other nations will have to guard and control the Strait of Hormuz, which has become very unsafe for shipping due to Iran’s airstrikes in response to the US-Israeli attacks.
He said the US would help secure the Persian Gulf route ‘if required’, but that its entry ‘should not be necessary’.
“Importantly, it will be a light military operation for them,” he added in a tweet that is likely to raise concerns among US allies whose economies have been hit by the closure of the Straits.
Trump tweeted: “We are very close to achieving our objectives as we consider ending our major military effort in… Middle East regarding Iran’s terrorist regime.’
“The Strait of Hormuz will have to be guarded and controlled, as necessary, by the other Nations that use it – not the United States! If required, we will assist these countries in their efforts for Hormuz, but it should not be necessary once the threat from Iran is eradicated.”
“Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
With most ships unable to pass through the strait, oil prices have continued to rise, with the impact felt around the world at gas pumps and food prices.
Most airlines have some hedge against immediate increases in jet fuel, but some companies are bracing for oil prices to hit $175 a barrel soon.
Trump’s latest outburst comes after the UK announced it will allow the US military to use British bases to target Iran’s blockade of the strait.
Until now, the US has been allowed to stop at British bases only to hit missile sites targeting British interests in the Middle East.
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