US President Donald Trump speaks after signing an executive order on fraud in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to all ships linked to the US-Israeli war on the country, allowing the passage of ships linked to nations that have not joined the attack on it.
The closure of the strategic Strait, through which more than a fifth of the world's energy supply passes, has triggered a 40 percent increase in oil prices and sent shock waves through the global economy.
Since the start of the war on 28 February, hundreds of commercial tankers have remained stranded in the Persian Gulf, and several ships have sustained fires after being hit by drones and missiles.
In his post, Trump added, "Now I am putting an end to it, because I am the Peace President! This week, I will be creating the Hormuz Peace Council, where our so-called cowards NATO allies ARE not welcome."
“Many real allies have already expressed desire to join this once in a lifetime opportunity to secure Hormuz for peace!”
Throughout the week, Trump has calle on NATO allies and other nations to join a US-led effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but received no confirmations.
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