Watch: Trump says ‘we don’t need’ Strait of Hormuz after allies refuse to help US escort ships

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Iran “militarily is finished” but is “blocking” the Strait of Hormuz.

Watch Trump’s remarks in the video player above.

Speaking to reporters as he left the White House, Trump said it would be a “simple military maneuver” to keep the vital shipping lane open but would require assistance, which he described as “ships” and “volume.”

Read more: Trump says NATO has refused to have him join most allies in the mission to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz

He said “it would be good” for countries that depend on the strait to participate in helping to keep it open.

In response to a journalist’s question about the execution of three men accused of committing violence during anti-government protests in Iran last year, Trump said it was a “terrible thing.”

“These are thugs, animals, and terrible people,” Trump said.

“You cannot hit anyone harder than we did. But I am not surprised. They executed three young men for protesting.”

Trump was also asked about plans to have US forces target Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, an island vital to Iran’s oil grid.

He replied, “Maybe I have a plan, maybe I don’t,” but said he wouldn’t tell reporters one way or the other.

“It’s definitely a place people talk about,” Trump added. “But I can’t tell you that.”