Trump: US may escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States is prepared to take military action to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

In an interview with Fox News, he said that US forces could, if necessary, escort oil tankers passing through this strategic maritime corridor, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies flows.

Trump also issued a warning to Iran. According to him, the US could strike ‘very hard’ against Tehran as early as next week, though he did not specify any concrete steps or operational details.

His remarks come as the conflict between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran and its allies on the other enters its third week.

At the same time, concerns about disruptions to energy supplies are growing. Oil prices hovered near the $100 per barrel mark on Friday, which analysts say reflects rising geopolitical risk and uncertainty in global markets.

(Reuters, pir)