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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, on Saturday called on several countries to deploy naval vessels to help safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil that has been disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Trump made the appeal in a post on Truth Social, asking that nations impacted by Iran’s reported attempt to block the waterway should support the United States in ensuring the strait remains 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, adding, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send ships to the area.”
Tensions in the region have disrupted maritime movement through the narrow passage, which normally handles about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. At its narrowest point, the Strait of Hormuz measures roughly 54 kilometres (34 miles) across.
With global oil prices climbing amid the instability, Trump was asked on Friday when the U.S. Navy would begin escorting oil tankers through the strategic corridor. The president responded that the operation would begin “soon, very soon.”
In his latest message, Trump claimed that the military capabilities of Iran had already been neutralised, but acknowledged that the country could still pose threats to vessels navigating 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, no matter how badly defeated they are,” he wrote.
Trump further stated that the United States was prepared to take strong military action to maintain security in the strait.
As he urged other countries to deploy ships to the region, he said the United States would respond forcefully to any threats, adding that Washington was determined to ensure the Strait of Hormuz becomes “OPEN, SAFE, and FREE.”
Trump urges nations to deploy warships to protect Strait of Hormuz
