US President Donald Trump has said it will not take long to “free” the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz from Iran’s blockade, even if NATO allies choose not to participate.
In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, Trump expressed confidence in the ongoing military campaign, stating that US forces are conducting intense strikes targeting coastal and maritime positions. “I believe it won’t take very long,” he said, emphasizing the scale and focus of the operations.
The crisis began after escalating conflict on February 28 between United States, Israel, and Iran. In response, Iran imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. The country’s elite force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), warned it would target vessels linked to the US, Israel, and their allies.
According to maritime security sources in the United Kingdom, more than a dozen ships have been attacked in the 17 days since the blockade began, leading to a sharp decline in commercial traffic through the strait. The disruption has already driven up global energy prices.
Trump had earlier called on NATO members to join the military effort, but his appeal was reportedly rejected. However, he noted that several Middle Eastern allies, along with Israel, have responded positively and are assisting the United States.
Meanwhile, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out heavy bombardments along the Hormuz coastline on Tuesday, reportedly damaging multiple Iranian missile launch sites.
The situation remains volatile, with fears growing that continued escalation could further destabilize the region and disrupt global energy supplies.
