Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open

Trump Urges UK to Deploy Naval Forces to Secure Hormuz Strait

Donald Trump has called on the United Kingdom to station warships in the Strait of Hormuz to maintain its accessibility. The US president’s appeal, posted on his Truth Social platform, highlights the need for international cooperation to counter Iran’s attempts to block the critical waterway. The strait, a strategic chokepoint, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and facilitates the passage of approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments.

Last year, the region saw around 20 million barrels of oil traversing the strait daily. However, following the US and Israel’s military strikes on Iran two weeks prior, multiple vessels navigating the strait have been targeted. These attacks have led to the waterway being effectively shut down, causing oil prices to surge and intensifying economic strain globally.

“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.”

Trump further claimed that nations like China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK would soon deploy ships to the area to eliminate the threat posed by Iran, which he described as a “totally decapitated” nation. He vowed that the US would continue bombing coastal targets and engaging Iranian vessels, asserting, “One way or another, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”

In response, Iran dismissed Trump’s assertions as “fabricated lies,” countering that its military strength had not been fully neutralized. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson 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.”

The UK’s decision not to join the initial strikes on Iran, which killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, contrasts with Trump’s recent demands. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has justified his country’s non-involvement, stating it aligns with Britain’s national interests. Trump, however, criticized Starmer’s stance, writing, “President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest.”