TRUMP SAYS HORMUZ IS IN GREAT SHAPE WITH 30 SHIPS A NIGHT
Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the Strait of Hormuz is in extremely good shape. He said US naval assistance is helping an average of 30 ships pass through every night. That’s a lot, and a lot of oil coming out, he added.
He also claimed that China has adopted a neutral stance concerning the strait.
The problem is that other reports tell a different story. Iranian media has reported that more than 30 ships were allowed passage by the IRGC Navy. China-linked vessels have been moving through the strait, but they are doing so under Iran’s permission. Trump says the strait is in great shape while Iran says it controls who passes.
The same day Trump made these claims, a supertanker struck two sea mines in the strait. The US had just declared the waterway cleared of mines.
So 30 ships are passing every night, but Iran is the one letting them through. The strait is clear of mines, but a tanker just hit one. China is neutral, but Chinese ships are moving under Iranian permission. Trump says Iran is dead, but they are still controlling the strait.