Donald Trump has urged several international allies, including the UK, to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz following escalating tensions with Iran and growing threats to global shipping.
The strategic waterway, located south of Iran, is responsible for transporting roughly one fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most critical energy routes globally.
Iran has reportedly been targeting vessels moving through the strait as hostilities intensify with the US and Israel. The disruption has already pushed oil prices higher, raising concerns about potential consequences for the global economy.
Global Oil Supply Threatened As Strait Of Hormuz Tensions Intensify
In a post on TruthSocial, Trump called on nations that depend on the route for energy supplies to help secure the strait by deploying naval forces.
He wrote: “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.”
Data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations indicates that 16 British vessels have been operating in waters around the Strait of Hormuz, the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman since the conflict began about two weeks ago.
Despite stating in the same post that the US had destroyed “100% of Iran’s military capability”, Trump also acknowledged that Tehran could still carry out limited attacks in the region.
Iran Vows To Continue Disrupting Shipping Route
Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Thursday that efforts to obstruct the strait would continue. Meanwhile, Israel reported detecting fresh attacks from Iran over the weekend, signalling that the conflict remains active.
Trump’s request for support from allies comes after a tense period in relations between Washington and London.
Just days earlier, the US president criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of wanting to “join wars after we’ve already won”.
Trump also dismissed the idea that Britain should send two aircraft carriers to the Middle East after reports suggested Downing Street was considering the move.
UK–US Military Cooperation Under Strain
Relations were further strained after the UK initially declined to allow the US to use British military bases for pre-emptive strikes against Iran.
The White House had expressed frustration over the decision. However, Starmer later permitted the use of UK military facilities for what officials described as “limited and defensive” operations.
Despite the adjustment, Trump continued to publicly criticise the British government for not agreeing to the original request.
Trump’s full post reads: “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.
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“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.
“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.
“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! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
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