Trump is trying to force the Strait of Hormuz open — and daring Iran to respond

American attack helicopters sank six Iranian small boats in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday — as the Trump administration works to back the regime into a corner — forcing it to choose between allowing ships through the strait or attacking them and provoking a return to war.

Two US-flagged cargo ships successfully passed through the strait as part of a new American initiative, “Project Freedom.”

Frustrated by the lack of progress with Iranian negotiators, Trump is allegedly forcing Iran’s hand by deploying US warships directly into the Strait of Hormuz to escort neutral vessels that have been trapped in the Persian Gulf for over a month.

“The president wants action. He doesn’t want to sit still,” a senior US official told Axios. “He wants pressure. He wants a deal.”