Trump says millions of barrels flowing through Hormuz daily

US President Donald Trump on Thursday asserted that millions of barrels of oil are flowing daily through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that American forces have established full control over the strategic waterway and cleared it of Iranian mines despite ongoing hostilities with Tehran. Speaking at the White House during a press briefing, he said Washington maintains both a naval blockade and open passage for international energy shipments. "The strait is open. The Strait of Hormuz is open. We have control, and we have the blockade," he said.

Minesweepers clear waterway

Trump said advanced minesweepers had completely cleared the channel of underwater explosives, claiming US forces possess superior detection capabilities and monitor every vessel entering the area. "We see every inch of the strait, and any boat goes in with a mine. We see it, and we take it out," he said, confirming that two mine-laying vessels had been eliminated. He noted that American warships escorted 24 boats through the passage the previous night and continue to provide continuous protection for commercial traffic.

Iran blocked from trade

The president asserted that the US blockade has severed Tehran's commercial access to the waterway while allowing global oil shipments to continue. "Iran's not getting anything. Nothing is going through. Not one ship has gotten," he stated. The remarks come as Washington maintains its military posture against the Islamic Republic following the outbreak of war on February 28.