US President Donald Trump is preparing to announce a coalition of countries that will escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions with Iran threaten global energy supplies.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the United States is urging allies to join the effort after Tehran warned it could block the key shipping route. The strait handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Washington was in talks with seven countries about securing the passage.
“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their territory,” he said, declining to name the governments involved.
The US has previously appealed to partners including Britain, France, Japan, South Korea and China for support in reopening the waterway.
Members of the proposed coalition are still discussing when operations might begin, with uncertainty over whether naval escorts would start before or after hostilities end.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed sharply since Iran warned it could target ships attempting to pass through the channel. The threat has raised concerns about global supply disruptions and pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel.
Britain and member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s restrictions on the strait and affirming their right to take necessary measures to protect their territories and citizens.
However, several governments remain cautious about joining a US-led naval mission. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ruled out sending warships for now, although he discussed the importance of reopening the strait during a call with Trump.
France said its stance in the region would remain defensive, while Germany expressed scepticism about expanding the European Union’s naval mission to the Strait of Hormuz.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the issue at a meeting this week as pressure grows to restore safe passage through one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
FAQ
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments, linking the Persian Gulf with international markets.
What is Donald Trump proposing?
The US president plans to announce a coalition of countries that will escort ships through the strait to maintain safe passage.
Why are some countries hesitant to join?
Several governments fear that sending naval forces could escalate tensions with Iran and widen the conflict.
How has the crisis affected oil prices?
Concerns about supply disruptions have pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel.
