US President Trump proposes naval coalition to secure Strait of Hormuz

US President Proposes Naval Coalition to Secure Strait of Hormuz

United States President Donald Trump has called for a naval coalition to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The strait is a critical passage for oil shipments, with one-fifth of global oil supplies passing through it.

The closure of the strait by Iran in response to US-Israeli strikes has led to significant disruptions in oil markets, causing prices to surge above $100 per barrel. Iranian officials have warned that prices could rise further beyond $200 per barrel.

Trump has proposed a naval coalition involving China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to secure the strait. He claims that 100% of Iran’s military capability has been destroyed, but acknowledges that Tehran could still launch attacks on the waterway.

Iranian officials have disputed these claims, stating that the strait remains open to international shipping except for vessels belonging to the US and its allies. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, said that the strait has not been militarily blocked and is merely under control.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway, only 21 nautical miles wide at its narrowest point, making it vulnerable to attacks. The US president’s proposal has raised concerns about the feasibility of securing the strait through a naval coalition.

Maritime security expert Alexandru Hudisteanu has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of Trump’s plan, stating that Iran’s ability to control the strait is not fully understood by the international community.

Source: Al Jazeera