U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday on social media that "many countries" would send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, without offering any details.
"Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
He added that "the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!"
On the same day, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated in a statement that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and under control of the IRGC Navy.
The strait is only closed for vessels belonging to the U.S., Israel and their allies, the statement said, adding that once their navigation or crossing is detected, they will become targets of attack.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the message, telling U.S. media that the strait remains open for international shipping except for vessels belonging to Iran's enemies and their allies. While some ships avoid the waterway due to security concerns, many tankers continue to pass through.
He stressed that there are still oil tankers and ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Friday, Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed that a Turkish-owned ship was allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after authorities received permission from Iran.
Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers have crossed the strait and are on their way to India. The two ships are expected to arrive at Indian ports soon, sources said, adding that the passage was "extremely cautious".
Trump vows to get Hormuz Strait open soon while Iran says Hormuz not closed but under control
Trump vows to get Hormuz Strait open soon while Iran says Hormuz not closed but under control
