[Video below.] President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday that expanding pipeline infrastructure in Texas and Alaska could provide alternative routes for moving energy supplies as tensions with Iran continue to disrupt shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks came as the United States carried out a fourth straight day of airstrikes against Iran. U.S. officials say the military action followed Iran’s alleged violation of the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran last month. Iranian officials, however, contend that Article 5 of the agreement grants Iran authority to manage all maritime traffic through the critical waterway within its territorial waters. Although some commercial vessels have attempted to avoid Iranian-controlled waters by sailing along the Omani coastline, Iran struck several tankers last week, killing one crew member. In response, the United States reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian shipping in the Gulf of Oman while continuing its bombing campaign.

Despite the escalating conflict, Trump and other administration officials have maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international traffic.

During an interview Tuesday with Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst, the reporter pointed to a dramatic decline in maritime traffic through the waterway.

“Shipping data trackers indicate that just 10 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday,” Yingst stated. “Less than 10% of what normally goes through this critical waterway. When you say the strait is open, what do you mean?”

Trump responded by insisting that access remains available to most countries while emphasizing that Iran itself is being blocked.

“It’s open if people want to go through it,” the president said. “We’re not opening it for Iran. That’s the only one it’s closed for. It’s closed for Iran both in and out. But it’s open now. A lot of things have happened, Trey, in the last few months. Pipelines are being built. We’re coming up with great alternatives, including Texas, including Alaska.”

Although Trump referenced domestic pipeline projects as potential alternatives, the United States is not controlling which commercial vessels may transit the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, the U.S. naval blockade is being enforced farther east in the Gulf of Oman, where Iranian vessels are being intercepted before reaching the strategic shipping lane.

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{Matzav.com}