President Donald Trump recently revealed that the U.S. military had been quietly conducting an operation to assist commercial vessels in transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This marks a significant acknowledgment of U.S. involvement in facilitating maritime shipping, despite repeated denials about resuming formal escort operations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump noted that he authorized the military to execute a “secret mission” supporting oil tankers and commercial ships in the region.
In his announcement, Trump highlighted the success of this initiative, stating it has enabled over 100 million barrels of oil to reach the open market and allowed more than 200 commercial ships to pass safely through the strait. He emphasized that the United States, rather than Iran, controls this crucial waterway.
The president’s remarks shed light on U.S. military operations amid ongoing tensions with Iran, which have severely disrupted shipping in the region. Although U.S. Central Command had previously denied reports of resumed escort operations, evidence suggested that the U.S. military may have continued to offer indirect support to commercial shipping interests, including close coordination with vessels traveling near Oman’s shores.
