Trump said on Wednesday European allies have pledged to help clear the Strait of
Hormuz to keep shipping lanes open but he did not name specific countries. Asked
which states offered to clear Iranian mines, he said “all of them,” adding that
those with the equipment have offered assistance and every ally has pledged to
take part. He added that, following a deal with Iran, the US would not
necessarily have to rely on Europe to reopen the strait, though allied
minesweepers would be “a good thing.” Trump continued to frame rapid restoration
of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as a key benefit of any Iran agreement,
but said returning tanker flows to pre-crisis levels will likely take time.
