President Donald Trump said he has launched a mine‑clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz and publicly dismissed major countries, including South Korea, as too hesitant to act. With ceasefire talks underway, he appears to be trying to seize the initiative and frame a U.S. military victory as a fait accompli.
On the 11th (local time), Trump posted on his social platform Truth Social that he had “started a mine‑clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to nations around the world.”
He specifically singled out South Korea, China, Japan, France and Germany as beneficiaries, saying, “These countries have no courage or will to do this themselves,” a swipe at both allies and rivals.
He also criticized U.S. media, accusing some outlets of suffering from so‑called “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and distorting coverage to suggest Iran is prevailing. “As everyone knows, Iran is actually suffering a major defeat,” he wrote.
According to Trump, Iran’s military capabilities have been effectively shattered: its navy and air force eliminated, air‑defense networks and key radar systems disabled. He said most missile and drone factories—the central elements of the threat—have been destroyed.
Trump said all 28 Iranian mine‑laying vessels have been sunk. He downplayed the remaining danger, calling mines the only remaining threat but arguing that threat is now limited without the laying ships.
He added that empty tankers from several countries are now en route to the United States to load crude oil, a comment observers read as an effort to underscore U.S. energy dominance and the economic benefits Washington expects amid Middle East instability.
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