President Donald Trump stated that Iran is clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a move that is expected to expand commercial shipping in this important waterway.
On Friday, Trump posted several updates on the social media platform Truth Social, one of which mentioned that Iran “with the help of the United States” has either cleared or is in the process of clearing all mines in the strait. However, the President’s claim has yet to be immediately confirmed.
Iran earlier on Friday announced that during a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, it would open the Strait of Hormuz, increasing the likelihood of a diplomatic resolution between the United States and Iran to end the war. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was one of the key conditions Trump announced on April 7 for the separate ceasefire agreement reached with Iran.
“Iran has agreed to never close the Strait of Hormuz again,” Trump wrote in another post. “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the world!”
“For the world, this is a great and glorious day!” he added.
Trump thanked Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief of Staff Sayed Asim Munir for their mediation efforts in the US-Iran talks, praising them as “two outstanding figures.”
CNN reported on Friday that according to US officials, President Trump regularly receives updates on Iran negotiations from Pakistan.
Additionally, the President expressed gratitude for the “brave assistance” provided by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
Efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia group backed by Iran, have become complicated. President Trump, however, insisted that the agreement between the US and Iran has no connection to Lebanon.
He added, “This agreement is also not related to Lebanon, but the US will work with Lebanon separately to address Hezbollah in an appropriate manner. Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon. The US prohibits them from doing so. Enough is enough!!!”
“To reiterate! This agreement is not related to Lebanon, but we will make Lebanon great again!”
Lastly, the President reiterated his dissatisfaction with NATO, which has often refrained from involvement in such matters.
“After the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is resolved, I received a call from NATO asking if we need assistance. I told them to stay away, unless their ships are coming to load oil,” Trump wrote.