US President Donald Trump has called on global powers to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to keep the crucial shipping route open “one way or the other”. Trump made the appeal in a Truth Social post, stating that several countries affected by Iran’s attempts to disrupt navigation would send warships to operate alongside the US.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, handles about 20% of the world’s crude oil and LNG trade, but traffic has plummeted amid Iran’s attempts to disrupt navigation. Trump claimed Iran’s military capability has been “100% destroyed,” yet warned Tehran could still deploy drones, mines, or missiles to threaten vessels. In response, he threatened intense military action: “The United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water”.
This move comes as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its third week, with recent strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island targeting military installations and oil facilities. Iran has warned that it would turn US-linked infrastructure into “a pile of ashes” if attacked further. The US Navy is preparing to escort tankers, and Trump has ordered the Development Finance Corporation to provide political risk insurance for maritime trade through the Gulf .
The situation is escalating, with Iran warning it could target US “hideouts” in the UAE and Hezbollah firing rockets at northern Israel. The UK is discussing options to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran urges Gulf states to expel “foreign aggressors”.