Donald Trump encouraged oil tanker crews not to be afraid and to continue sailing through the Strait of Hormuz despite the risk of attacks, following heightened tensions with Iran that have caused global oil prices to surge.
Trump said in an interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade that oil tankers should pass through the Strait of Hormuz and show courage, asserting there is nothing to fear.
The U.S. leader stated, "There is nothing to fear. Iran doesn't even have a navy, and we have destroyed all their ships."
However, maritime industry executives have called on the U.S. Navy to provide escorts for oil tankers that must repeatedly transit the route, but so far the Pentagon has declined, citing that escort missions carry too high a risk under current circumstances.
Data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicate that since the conflict began two weeks ago, at least 16 oil tankers, cargo ships, and other vessels have been attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz, including the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Reports also state that attacks earlier this week resulted in at least one fatality and the rescue of 38 crew members.
Tensions in the area have escalated after Iran, which exerts control over the Strait of Hormuz, ordered the closure of the shipping route following joint military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran nearly two weeks ago.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, with about one-fifth of global energy trade passing through it, making unrest in the area directly impact oil prices and the global energy market.
. Source:CNN
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