Trump says US ran 'secret mission' in Strait of Hormuz last month

WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump said the U.S. military carried out a "secret mission" in the Strait of Hormuz last month to protect oil tankers and other commercial vessels, according to a post on his Truth Social account. He said more than 100 million barrels of oil were moved through the strait to global markets and more than 200 commercial ships transited safely during the operation. Trump described the effort as "extremely successful" and argued that control of the strait lies with the United States rather than Iran. He also said Iran was "taking its time" over a deal and would "pay the price" for doing so, while reiterating his claim that Iran "is finished" and its army has been defeated. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately warned Iran against challenging the United States. The exchange comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with reports of mutual fire and an Iranian shootdown of a U.S. Apache helicopter off the coast of Oman.