Iran’s Guards challenges Trump to have US Navy escort oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz

March 6 (Reuters) – A spokesman for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard challenged U.S. President Donald Trump over deploying U.S. navy ships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported on Friday.

The US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, Trump said Tuesday. Conflicts in the Middle East have halted shipping and energy exports through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

* Guards spokesman Alimohammad Naini said: “Iran strongly welcomes the escort of oil tankers and welcomes the presence of US forces to cross the Strait of Hormuz. And by the way, we expect their presence, according to state media.” and recently targeted oil tankers,” Naini said.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Edward Tobin)