U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 11th (local time) that the U.S. military has removed most of Iran's mine‑laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and that oil tankers should pass through the strait.
Trump, speaking with reporters as he left the White House in Washington, D.C., for Ohio that day, said, "Overnight, we removed most of the (Strait of Hormuz) mine‑laying vessels," adding that the number removed was "59 to 60." U.S. Central Command, which conducts Middle East operations, had said the previous day that at least 16 mine‑laying vessels were removed.
Trump said, "All of their (Iranian forces') ships, their navy is almost gone." When asked whether he would "urge oil companies to resume oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz," he replied, "They should. I think they should use it (the Strait of Hormuz)."
Trump said, "Iran lost its navy, and it lost its air force. They have no air defenses at all. They don't have radar," adding, "Their leadership is gone, and we could make (the situation in Iran) much worse." He went on, "We are leaving certain targets that are set for removal, and they could be taken out this afternoon," adding, "In fact, within an hour, they would literally never be able to rebuild the country."
Asked whether he could declare victory in this war if the system led by second son Mojtaba Khamenei, selected as successor to deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains in place, Trump said, "I don't want to comment on that." He added, "But I just spoke with several national leaders," and, "We have the best military existing in the world."
When asked whether he could withdraw U.S. forces even if Iran does not hand over its nuclear program and allow the United States to take control, Trump said, "I won't answer," adding, "We have hit them harder than any country in history, and (the strikes) are not over yet."