Iranian state media reported that a spokesperson for Iran's revolutionary?guards challenged U.S. president Donald Trump to dispatch U.S. naval?vessels in order to escort oil tanks through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated on Tuesday that the U.S. Navy would be able to escort oil tankers across 'the Strait of Hormuz, if needed. The Middle East conflict has halted energy and shipping exports via the Strait of Hormuz.

Alimohammad Naini, the spokesperson for the Guards, said that Iran "strongly welcomes" the escort of oil tankers. He also stated that U.S. troops will be present at the Strait of Hormuz crossing. State media reports that we are awaiting their presence.

Naini: "We suggest that before making any decisions, the Americans remember the fire that occurred on the Bridgeton in 1987 and the recent oil tankers that have been targeted."

The U.S., Israel and the Guards have ordered that ships do not cross the strategic waterway since Saturday when the first strikes began.

(source: Reuters)