Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open
Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open
President Donald Trump has urged the United Kingdom to dispatch naval forces to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The strait, through which nearly a fifth of global oil shipments traverse daily, has become a focal point of geopolitical tension following recent attacks on vessels passing through the waterway. Last year, approximately 20 million barrels of oil moved through the strait each day, highlighting its critical role in global energy markets.
Since the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran two weeks ago, the region has seen a surge in incidents targeting ships in the strait. These attacks have led to fears of the waterway being effectively closed, causing oil prices to rise and straining the world economy. Trump’s message, shared on his Truth Social platform, emphasized the need for international cooperation to secure the strait, with the US playing a central role in the effort.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump stated. “We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but 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.”
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated,” he added. “In the meantime, 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!”
Iran dismissed Trump’s remarks, calling the assertion that its military capabilities had been “totally decapitated” a set of “fabricated lies.” A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence noted: “As we’ve said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”
Trump’s call for the UK contrasts with his earlier criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who he accused of hesitating to join the conflict after the US had already secured a victory. “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump wrote. “That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer – But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”
The UK opted not to participate in the initial strikes that targeted Iran’s leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Starmer justified his decision, stating it was based on what he deemed in Britain’s national interest. Downing Street was contacted for further comment, but no official statement was released at the time of the report.
