WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz has been lifted, announcing a major development regarding the key maritime route.
In his statement, Trump noted that restrictions on shipping in the area have been removed, allowing American vessels to start their return journey.
He stressed that Iran must commit to never developing or acquiring nuclear weapons, and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz be fully opened without tolls or limitations to ensure smooth maritime traffic.
Trump further claimed that Iranian nuclear material is buried deep beneath destroyed mountain sites following earlier US military strikes involving B-2 bombers, adding that the United States would take steps to retrieve and eliminate it.
He said the operation would rely on advanced technical capabilities of both the United States and China, and would be carried out in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The US president added that agreement has already been reached on several less critical matters, while he is currently chairing a meeting in the Situation Room to finalize a decision.
He also stated that all underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz would be cleared, claiming that US forces have already destroyed several using mine-sweeping equipment, while Iran would be responsible for removing or disabling the remaining ones.
