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US Guarantees Hormuz Shipping Passage

Ken Bredemeier

   The United States says it will "guarantee freedom of navigation" for
   shipping through the Strait of Hormuz through diplomatic talks or
   military intervention, contending again that it was "unmistakable" that
   Iran launched last week's attacks on two tankers sailing through the
   narrow passage.

   "These were attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran on commercial
   shipping on the freedom of navigation with the clear intent to deny
   transit through the Strait," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Fox
   News Sunday.

   The top U.S. diplomat said the United States does not want war with
   Tehran, but it will ensure passage through the chokepoint that links
   the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, a hook-shaped body of water through
   which as much as a third of the world's oil supply is shipped.

   "The United States is going to make sure that we take all the actions
   necessary, diplomatic and otherwise, that achieve that outcome," he
   told Fox.

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