Many Countries Expected to Send Warships to Hormuz Amid Iran Blockade

US President Donald Trump has announced that multiple countries will dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to keep it open, following Iran’s declaration that the waterway is closed to “tankers and ships of enemies.” The move comes as the US and Israel continue their military operations against Iran, which began on February 28.

Trump stated that nations “especially those affected by Iran’s attempted closure” will participate in the effort. He mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as potential contributors. The US president also claimed that the country had already destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capabilities, although he acknowledged that Tehran could still launch drone attacks or send missiles.

The US Energy Secretary has clarified that the US is not prepared to provide escorts for ships through the strait itself. However, Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas were able to cross the strait safely on Saturday morning due to a rare exemption granted by Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait is only closed to “tankers and ships of enemies and their allies,” not all shipping. The US has reinforced its presence in the region, with 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship en route to the Middle East.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about global food security, as it is a critical conduit for LNG exports used in the production of staple grains and cereals. The UN humanitarian chief has warned that millions of people are at risk if humanitarian cargo cannot pass safely through the strait.

Source: Al Jazeera