Washington:<Text>

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the United States has the capability to open the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that the US could potentially exploit the oil resources there and generate significant revenue. President Trump described this potential action as a "gusher" for the global economy.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump made these remarks on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the ease with which the US could open the strait and capitalize on the oil. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes. The waterway has faced disruptions following a joint US-Israeli military offensive against Iran.

The situation in the region remains tense, with President Trump sending varied messages regarding Washington's intentions for the strait. The alert status in the region was heightened after the US and Israel conducted air strikes on February 28, resulting in the death of over 1,340 individuals, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has responded to the offensive with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations that host US military forces. These retaliatory actions have resulted in casualties, infrastructure damage, and further volatility in global energy markets.