US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the American military has initiated operations to clear the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz, claiming that all of Iran’s minelaying vessels have been destroyed. Trump characterized this action as a gesture of assistance to various countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and others, who he alleged lacked the resolve to undertake such operations themselves.
Throughout the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Trump has criticized US allies for not participating in the military actions against Iran. He reiterated his stance on decimating Iran’s military capabilities, stating that their Navy, Air Force, Anti-Aircraft defenses, Radar systems, Missile, and Drone facilities have been severely damaged.
Despite Trump’s assertions, concerns about potential Iranian attacks on maritime traffic have led to the effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates nearly 20% of global energy transportation. Trump, in separate posts on Truth Social, declared that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen soon and mentioned that tanker ships were en route to the US to transport oil and gas to other nations, impacting global energy markets.
Amid these developments, peace talks mediated by Pakistan aimed at resolving the conflict between Iran and the US were conducted in Islamabad. The negotiations, attended by US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, were preceded by mediation efforts by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Tehran presented its conditions, including demands related to the Strait of Hormuz, blocked assets release, war reparations, and a broader ceasefire in the Middle East.
Iranian state media reported that the trilateral talks commenced following a decrease in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and the fulfillment of unspecified prerequisites. This diplomatic engagement signifies a significant step towards potential resolution in the region.