Donald Trump has called on several countries to deploy naval vessels to help safeguard the Strait of Hormuz amid disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Trump made the appeal in a post on the Truth Social platform, urging countries affected by Iran’s reported attempt to block the waterway to support the United States in keeping the strait open.
“Many countries, especially those that are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote.
He also encouraged major global economies to participate in the effort, including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for energy supplies, handling roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. At its narrowest point, the waterway measures about 54 kilometres (34 miles) across.
Rising tensions in the region have disrupted maritime traffic through the corridor, contributing to increasing global oil prices.
When asked about the possibility of the United States Navy escorting oil tankers through the strait, Trump said the operation would begin “soon, very soon.”
In his message, Trump also claimed that Iran’s military capability had been neutralised but warned the country could still pose threats to vessels passing through the waterway.
“We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway,” he said.
Trump added that the United States was prepared to take strong military action if necessary to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains “open, safe, and free.”
