Donald Trump on Saturday called on several countries to send naval vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy shipments that has been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States plans to begin escorting oil tankers through the waterway soon and urged other nations affected by the situation to contribute naval support.
He wrote that many countries impacted by Iran’s attempt to block the strait would join the effort with the United States to ensure the route remains open and secure. Trump specifically mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom among those he hopes will deploy ships to the region.
Maritime traffic through the strait — which normally handles about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas — has nearly stopped following Iranian attacks. At its narrowest point, the strategic waterway measures about 54 kilometres (34 miles) across.
Speaking on Friday, Trump said the United States Navy would soon begin escorting tankers passing through the strait.
In his latest remarks, Trump claimed Iran’s military strength had been fully neutralised but acknowledged the country could still disrupt the route using drones, sea mines or short-range missiles.
He added that the United States would respond forcefully to any threats along the waterway, insisting that the strait would ultimately be reopened and secured for global shipping.
