Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz is Permanently Open

US President Donald Trump on Dec. 15 voiced his claim regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy transport, stating that he is 'permanently keeping it open'. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social that day, Trump wrote, "China is very happy that I am permanently keeping the Strait of Hormuz open." He added, "I am doing it for them (China), and for the world."

These remarks align with Trump's previous claims. On Dec. 13, he had asserted that the US Navy had begun blocking ships traveling to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, and that third-country vessels, which had been facing difficulties due to Iran's enforcement of its control over the strait, were now navigating it freely.

Trump also claimed that China had agreed not to send weapons to Iran. He said, "When I arrive there (Beijing, China) in a few weeks, President Xi Jinping will give me a big hug." This remark, emphasizing his personal relationship with President Xi, suggested that his visit to China, scheduled for mid-May, would proceed. Previously, Trump had mentioned in an interview with Sky News UK that he had exchanged letters with President Xi, implying that China had promised not to provide weapons to Iran.