Trump calls on nations to escort ships through Hormuz Strait

US President Trump Calls for Allied Naval Forces in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has urged allied naval forces to join US naval forces in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that is currently blocked by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that he hopes countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK will send ships to the area to ensure the strait remains open and safe.

US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has confirmed that he has been in dialogue with some of the mentioned countries, including China. Wright stated that he expects China to be a constructive partner in reopening the strait. However, no commitments have been made by any country so far.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is blocking the strait as retaliation for US and Israeli strikes, aiming to damage the global economy and pressure Washington. Tehran claims the strait is open to all except the US and its allies. Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar has reported that negotiations with Iran have allowed two Indian-flagged gas tankers to pass through the strait.

The conflict began on February 28, resulting in at least 10 oil tankers being hit or targeted since then. With crude oil prices hovering at around $100 a barrel, Trump administration officials believe the conflict will end relatively quickly. However, some experts are skeptical about China’s willingness to provide naval forces to assist the US.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have discussed the importance of reopening the strait with Trump and each other separately. France has previously stated that it is working on a possible international mission to escort ships through the strait, but only when circumstances permit. German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul has expressed skepticism about the plan.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the Trump administration plans to announce a coalition of countries willing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz as early as this week. However, this report has not been verified by Al Jazeera.

Source: Al Jazeera