Trump urges global naval support to keep Strait of Hormuz open

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on several countries to deploy naval forces to help keep the strategically important Strait of Hormuz open, warning that continued disruption in the waterway could worsen the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf to the open ocean handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments, making it one of the most critical chokepoints in global energy supply.

Tensions in the region have escalated sharply in recent weeks following a military confrontation involving the United States and Iran, leading to disruptions in shipping activities along the route.

Posting on the social media platform Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said multiple countries whose economies rely heavily on energy supplies transported through the strait were expected to contribute warships to safeguard the route.

“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 said.

He expressed hope that major global economies, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, would join the effort to secure the maritime corridor.

Iranian cleric presses Pope Leo XIV to denounce killing of Khamenei

According to Trump, these nations have strong economic incentives to ensure the uninterrupted flow of oil and gas through the route, which serves as a lifeline for global energy markets.

Energy crisis deepens as tensions escalate

The crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz intensified after the United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury, which reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The development triggered retaliatory threats from Iran and heightened fears that the country could attempt to disrupt maritime traffic in the region.

Iran’s newly selected Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since warned that Iranian forces could continue targeting ships operating along the waterway.

Despite claiming that Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened, Trump warned that the country still retains the ability to disrupt shipping through smaller, targeted attacks.

According to the U.S. president, Iran could deploy drones, lay naval mines, or launch short-range missiles capable of threatening vessels navigating the strait.

Trump said the United States would continue military operations aimed at securing the shipping route, adding that American forces were already targeting Iranian maritime assets and coastal positions linked to the disruption.

“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water,” Trump said, adding that Washington remained determined to ensure the waterway remained open.

The conflict has already begun to ripple through global markets. Oil prices have climbed sharply since late February, reflecting concerns that prolonged instability in the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global energy supply chains.

Energy analysts warn that any sustained closure or military escalation in the region could have significant consequences for economies heavily dependent on oil imports, particularly in Asia and Europe.

For now, attention is focused on whether major maritime powers will respond to Washington’s call and deploy naval forces to the area.

A multinational naval presence, analysts say, could help deter further attacks and stabilise shipping operations along one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.