Trump says ‘many countries’ will send warships to Hormuz amid Iran blockade | US-Israel war on Iran News
Trump Announces Support from Other Nations to Secure the Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump stated Saturday that multiple countries would deploy warships to maintain the security and openness of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas is transported. However, Trump did not specify which nations would participate.
This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, marking the fifteenth day of aggressive military action by the United States and Israel against Iran. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump indicated that nations particularly impacted by Iran’s alleged attempts to close the strait would collaborate with the U.S. in this effort. He mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as potential contributors.
In his post, Trump claimed that the U.S. had “destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability,” while simultaneously acknowledging that Iran could still pose a threat by deploying drones, mines, or short-range missiles in the area. He vowed that the U.S. would intensify its military efforts, stating intentions to target Iranian boats and ensure the strait remains “open, safe, and free.”
In response, Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of the navy for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, countered Trump’s assertions. He claimed the Strait of Hormuz remains “under control” and had not been fully militarily closed. Tangsiri criticized U.S. claims about Iran’s naval capabilities and suggested that America is now seeking assistance from other nations.
Last week, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged during an interview that the American military was not prepared to escort commercial vessels through the strait, a critical trade route that has drawn increased attention since the conflict escalated.
Iranian officials have clarified that the strait is only closed to “tankers and ships of enemies and their allies,” while indicating that other shipping activities may continue. Mohsen Rezaee, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, emphasized that no American ship is permitted to enter the Gulf.
On Saturday, two Indian-flagged tankers successfully navigated the strait. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the safe passage, which followed discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
A Turkish vessel was also granted passage earlier this week, and negotiations for 14 additional Turkish vessels are ongoing. Meanwhile, U.S. military presence in the region is being bolstered, with approximately 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship en route to the Middle East.
Reports indicate that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to global food security, as it is a crucial route for liquefied natural gas exports, essential for producing nitrogen-based fertilizers that support global food supplies. The Center for Strategic and International Studies has highlighted potential risks to humanitarian aid as the situation unfolds.
Iran’s humanitarian concerns have been echoed by UN officials, with humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warning of risks to millions if cargo cannot pass safely through the strait.
Experts have suggested that U.S. diplomatic efforts are essential to mitigate the situation. Andreas Krieg from King’s College London described Trump’s coalition call as part of a strategy aimed at stabilizing market fears surrounding the conflict. He emphasized that effective military solutions would require careful consideration of the risks involved.
As the conflict continues, the situation remains fluid, with significant implications for regional and global stability.
