Trump Claims "I Am Keeping the Strait of Hormuz Permanently Open"... Asserts Success in Counter-Blockade

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U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on April 15 (local time) that he is keeping the Strait of Hormuz permanently open.

President Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, on this day, "China is very pleased that I am keeping the Strait of Hormuz permanently open."

He added, "I am doing it for them (China), and also for the world," and further stated, "This kind of situation will not happen again."

These remarks are a claim that, after ordering the U.S. Navy to begin blocking all ships traveling between Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on the 13th, vessels from third countries that had been stranded due to Iran's control of the strait during the ongoing war are now able to freely pass through.

President Trump also said, "China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran," and added, "When I arrive there (Beijing, China) in a few weeks, Chinese President Xi Jinping will give me a big hug."

He continued, "We are working together wisely and very well. Isn't this better than fighting?" and went on to say, "But remember, if necessary, we fight very well and better than anyone else."

This is interpreted as both emphasizing his close relationship with President Xi and confirming that his visit to China, rescheduled for mid-May, will proceed as planned.

Earlier in the day, President Trump also revealed in an interview with UK media outlet Sky News that, through an exchange of letters with President Xi, China had promised not to provide weapons to Iran.

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