President Donald Trump said a secret U.S. mission helped secure oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran closed the waterway on March 4 following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The announcement came after U.S. forces struck Iranian targets with 49 Tomahawk missiles and jet attacks in response to Iran downing an American Apache helicopter. The disruption has reduced shipping traffic, pushed up oil prices, and added to U.S. inflation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled further operations, while diplomatic talks remain stalled.







