By Juliet Ezeh
President Donald Trump has called for a multinational naval effort to protect commercial shipping in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supply routes.
In a message shared on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump urged several major economies to deploy naval vessels to the region to support the United States in keeping the waterway open.
According to the US president, countries that depend heavily on energy shipments passing through the strait should participate in safeguarding the route.
Major Economies Urged to Join Naval Mission
Trump specifically mentioned nations such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom as potential partners in the proposed security effort.
He said these countries were among those most affected by disruptions to the critical maritime corridor.
The president added that many nations were expected to deploy warships in cooperation with the United States to maintain safe navigation through the channel.
Key Global Oil Route Under Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, handling roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Located between the Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, the narrow waterway measures about 54 kilometres (34 miles) across at its narrowest point, making it particularly vulnerable to military or security disruptions.
Recent tensions in the region have raised concerns among global markets and energy traders, with instability contributing to rising oil prices.
US Signals Possible Naval Escort Operations
Trump indicated that the United States Navy could soon begin escorting oil tankers passing through the strategic corridor to ensure their safety.
When asked earlier about the timeline for such operations, he said the effort could begin “very soon.”
Warning of Potential Threats
Although the US leader claimed that Iran’s conventional military capabilities had been significantly weakened, he acknowledged that the country could still pose risks to maritime traffic through limited attacks.
Trump warned that threats such as drones, naval mines or short-range missiles could still be used to disrupt shipping in the area.
He reiterated that the United States was prepared to respond decisively to any attempt to block the vital shipping route, stressing that Washington remained committed to keeping the strait “open, safe and free” for global commerce.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.