Trump urges China, France, Japan, others to deploy warships to Strait of Hormuz after Iran threat
United States President Donald Trump has said several countries will deploy warships alongside the US to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open following Iran’s reported attempt to restrict access to the vital shipping route.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said countries affected by disruptions in the waterway would join efforts to secure it.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote.
The strategic strait is among the world’s most important maritime corridors, transporting a significant portion of global oil shipments.
Any disruption along the route could impact global energy markets and international trade.
Trump said he hoped major economies that rely on the passage would take part in the effort.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated,” Trump wrote.
However, the US president did not specify which countries had officially agreed to deploy naval forces, and there was no immediate confirmation from allied governments regarding participation in the mission.
Trump also warned that despite the “heavy damage” inflicted on Iran’s military capacity, the country could still threaten vessels moving through the narrow waterway.
He added that the US would continue military operations aimed at securing the route.
“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.
“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
The comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with shipping lanes in the Gulf facing increasing security threats as the conflict involving Iran escalates.
On March 11, Iran said it would not allow “a single litre of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, Israel and their allies.