U.S. officials say the Hormuz Strait escort initiative may not include direct escort by U.S. warships

U.S. Axios news website on the 3rd quoted two American officials as saying that the “guidance” announced by U.S. President Trump on that day for the passage of stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz does not necessarily include direct escort by U.S. warships for commercial vessels. The report said one official stated that U.S. warships will stay in the “vicinity” of the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iranian military forces from attacking commercial ships passing through the strait if necessary. The two officials also said that the U.S. military will provide commercial ships with information on the optimal maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, especially regarding routes that do not involve Iranian military-laid mines. (Xinhua)