Trump says US secretly helped ships move oil through Strait of Hormuz

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States conducted a secret operation to ensure the passage of significant oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively circumventing an Iranian blockade. Trump announced the success of this "secret mission" on social media, claiming it was instrumental in supporting tankers and commercial vessels navigating the crucial waterway.

During an Oval Office press conference, Trump initially disclosed the operation, though he provided limited specifics and no concrete evidence. He suggested the news could be revealed because Iran had supposedly "figured it out." In a subsequent social media post, he detailed the operation's scale, stating that over 200 commercial ships, carrying more than 100 million barrels of oil, had successfully transited the strait under U.S. assistance.

“

This wildly successful effort is because the UNITED STATES of AMERICA CONTROLS the Strait of Hormuz, NOT Iran.

While Trump's claims suggest a direct U.S. Navy role, previous reports from ABC and other U.S. outlets have indicated "dark" journeys through the strait, some involving coordination with Iran rather than the U.S. military. Maritime intelligence firms have offered varying figures on ship movements, with some estimating that a substantial volume of oil continues to transit the strait despite the ongoing tensions. However, these reported volumes remain below pre-blockade levels.

Trump emphasized that this covert operation helped prevent steeper increases in oil prices. He admitted to finding it challenging to maintain the confidentiality of the mission, expressing a strong desire to share the news earlier. The former president's announcement adds another layer to the complex maritime dynamics and geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

“

I wanted to say it so badly. I didn't want to ruin it, but it was very hard.