US President Donald Trump emphasized the need for nations relying on oil from the Hormuz Strait to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of this crucial maritime passage, while offering significant American assistance. This announcement comes as global oil prices have surged by 40% following tensions surrounding Iran’s military activities that have targeted Gulf energy facilities in the wake of US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
In a series of social media posts, Trump claimed that the United States had significantly weakened Iran’s military and economic capabilities. However, he acknowledged that Iran still poses a threat to the security of the strait. “The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both Militarily, Economically, and in every other way, but the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help – A LOT!” he stated.
The Hormuz Strait is a vital corridor, as around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows through this narrow waterway, which is just 54 kilometers (34 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Iran’s military activities have effectively halted maritime traffic in the area, prompting concerns over global energy supplies.
In light of the situation, Trump urged several nations—including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK—to send naval vessels to help secure the strait. He indicated that the US would soon begin escorting tankers through this strategic passage.
Despite asserting that Iran’s military capacity had been largely neutralized, Trump noted the ongoing risk posed by Iranian drones, mines, and missiles that could disrupt shipping routes. “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,” he remarked. He further declared that the US would intensify military actions against Iranian assets, stating, “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!”
On Friday, US military forces conducted heavy airstrikes on targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which is crucial for handling nearly all of Iran’s crude oil exports. Trump also threatened future strikes targeting the island’s oil infrastructure should any disruption occur in the strait.
US allies have shown hesitation in joining military support for the ongoing US-Israeli operations against Iran. Nonetheless, several nations have deployed warships in the region in response to escalating conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited a French aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean and announced preparations for a “defensive” mission aimed at reopening the strait. In addition, a UK warship has departed for the eastern Mediterranean to enhance British defenses in light of a drone attack on Britain’s Akrotiri base in Cyprus.
