US deploys minesweepers to Strait of Hormuz, Trump says

US President Donald Trump said that the United States has deployed minesweeping vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, with support from the United Kingdom.

Trump made the remarks during an on-air phone call with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, noting that British forces were assisting in the effort to clear the strategic waterway.

"So we have minesweepers there now. We have highly sophisticated underwater minesweepers, which are the latest and the greatest. But we're also bringing in more traditional minesweepers," Trump said.

"I understand the U.K. and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers. A lot of countries don't have minesweepers. Think of it. They had 28 mine droppers. What country has 28 mine droppers? 28 boats to drop mines," he continued.

Trump claimed that NATO, which he has repeatedly criticised for the alliance’s unwillingness to assist in his war on Iran, wants to help with unblocking the strait.

By Vafa Guliyeva