THE HAGUE, Netherlands — President Donald Trump on Saturday declared the Strait of Hormuz “something we don’t need” and urged allied nations to send warships to secure the strategic waterway, as the US-Israeli war on Iran entered its third week with no signs of de-escalation .
In a statement on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that the US has destroyed “100 per cent of Iran’s military capability” but acknowledged the ongoing threat to global shipping. “It’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are,” he wrote .
Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to deploy naval assets in conjunction with the US to keep the strait “open and safe” . The president also dismissed reports that five US refueling aircraft were rendered unusable in an attack at a Saudi air base, calling it “fake news” and stating that four of the five sustained virtually no damage and are already back in service .
Key Developments
Strait of Hormuz: A Global Chokepoint Closed
Iran has effectively sealed the Strait of Hormuz since March 1, blocking the passage of roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply . US officials confirmed Thursday that Iran has begun laying mines in the waterway . Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, vowed earlier this week to maintain the blockade as leverage against the US and Israel .
The disruption has stranded hundreds of oil tankers and sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Brent crude prices hovered around $100 per barrel on Friday, with gas prices in the US reaching a national average of $3.60 per gallon—a 21 percent increase since the war began .
New Leadership in Tehran
Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named supreme leader on Sunday, days after his father was killed in the Feb. 28 strikes that launched the conflict . In his first public statement, read by a state TV news anchor, the new leader vowed to avenge those killed in the war and signaled a willingness to continue attacks on Gulf Arab countries .
Oman, Iraq and Azerbaijan have extended congratulations to the new leader, while China and Russia have offered diplomatic support . Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said became the first Arab leader to congratulate Khamenei, according to the state news agency ONA .
Regional Attacks Intensify
The conflict continues to spread across the Middle East:
Gulf States Under Fire: Iran has launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting US facilities and allies across the region . Kuwait reported two people wounded by a “hostile drone” that hit a residential building, while Bahrain told residents to stay inside after attacks in the Muharraq Governorate . The UAE intercepted multiple drones, though some debris caused damage in Dubai .
Saudi Oil Facilities Targeted: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted drones heading toward the Shaybah oilfield, a critical energy installation . Six ballistic missiles were intercepted in the al-Kharj district .
Iraq Caught in Crossfire: Operations at the Lanaz oil refinery in Iraq’s Kurdish region have been suspended following a drone attack, though no group has claimed responsibility . Two oil tankers were hit at Iraq’s Umm Qasr port, killing one person and prompting rescue operations .
Lebanon Front Expands: Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut near government headquarters, targeting what officials said was Hezbollah infrastructure . Another strike on the Lebanese University campus killed two academics, according to Lebanon’s state news agency . More than 800,000 people have fled their homes in Lebanon .
Casualties Mount
The human toll continues to rise:
- Iran: More than 1,348 civilians killed since the war began, according to Iran’s UN representative
- US military: Seven service members killed, approximately 140 wounded
- Lebanon: Over 700 killed and 1,500 injured
- Gulf states: Multiple civilian casualties reported across Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE
Economic Fallout
The war has triggered one of the most severe energy shocks in decades. World leaders agreed Wednesday to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, including 172 million barrels from the US .
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil currently at sea, a move Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said could add hundreds of millions of barrels to global markets . The exemption will remain in place until April 11 .
Stock markets have reacted with volatility. The S&P 500 had its worst day since the war began on Thursday, while Asian markets traded lower Friday .
What They’re Saying
President Donald Trump: “Countries affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Strait of Hormuz will send warships in conjunction with the US to keep the strait open and safe” .
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader: In his first statement since assuming office, he vowed to continue attacks on Gulf countries and use the Strait of Hormuz closure as leverage .
Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell: Confirmed 140 US troops wounded since the war began, with 108 returned to duty and eight severely injured receiving intensive medical care .
Lebanese Prime Minister: Expressed openness to direct talks with Israel, a significant shift for a country officially in a state of war with its neighbor for decades .
What to Watch
- Naval Coalition: Whether Trump’s call for allied warships gains traction with China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK
- Oil Prices: Markets remain volatile as traders assess the duration of the Hormuz closure
- New Leadership: Mojtaba Khamenei’s first public appearance, which has yet to occur amid reports he was wounded in the initial strikes
- Diplomatic Efforts: France is reportedly developing a plan that could lead to Lebanon recognizing Israel, though officials deny a formal proposal exists
