Trump Urges Global Naval Force to Secure Hormuz

AFP

Washington: US President Donald Trump has called on other countries to deploy warships to help secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid severe disruption to maritime traffic caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In a message posted on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said several nations affected by Iran’s attempts to disrupt shipping through the narrow waterway would join the United States in a coordinated naval effort to keep the strait open.

“Many countries, especially those who 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,” he wrote.

The strait, which is only about 54 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas normally pass through the route.

However, recent Iranian strikes and security threats have effectively halted maritime traffic, raising global energy concerns and pushing oil prices higher.

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Trump earlier indicated that the United States would soon begin escorting commercial tankers through the strait. When asked on Friday about the timeline for such operations, he said the move would take place “very soon.”

While claiming that US operations had eliminated Iran’s military capabilities, Trump acknowledged that Tehran could still threaten shipping through asymmetric tactics such as drones, naval mines and short-range missiles.

He warned that the United States would respond aggressively to any such threats, saying Washington was prepared to strike coastal targets and engage Iranian vessels if necessary to restore safe navigation.

The US president stressed that the priority was to reopen the waterway for global commerce, declaring that the United States and its partners would ensure the strait remains “open, safe and free.”