WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said the United States would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed but added that he hoped the U.S.-led war efforts would go
Trump says US would escort ships in Strait of Hormuz 'if needed' -Fox News interview
US Policy and Statements on Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Trump's Comments on Escorting Vessels
WASHINGTON, March 13 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said the United States would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if needed, adding in a Fox News interview that aired on Friday that the U.S. would strike Iran "very hard over the next week."
Details from Fox News Interview
Asked about helping oil tankers pass through the key shipping strait, Trump said: "We would do it if we needed to. But, you know, hopefully things are going to go very well. We're going to see what happens." He gave no other details.
Further Remarks on Iran
"We're going to be hitting them very hard over the next week," he added in the interview with Fox News Radio's "The Brian Kilmeade Show."
Context: Oil Prices and Geopolitical Tensions
His comments come as the United States and other countries face spiking oil and gas prices with the U.S-Israel war entering its 14th day, with oil prices hovering near $100 a barrel on Friday.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Toby Chopra)
