US President Donald Trump has called on Britain and other major nations to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that countries relying on Gulf oil should help protect one of the world’s most important shipping routes. In public remarks and social media posts, Trump said he hoped the UK, France, China, Japan and South Korea would join the effort to keep the waterway open and safe.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital passage for global energy supplies, and recent attacks on ships in and around the channel have heightened fears about wider disruption. Reuters reported that Trump said many countries would be sending warships alongside the United States, although the White House had not confirmed any firm commitments from allies at the time of reporting.
UK Says It Is Discussing Options With Allies
In response, the UK said it was in talks with partners about possible steps to protect commercial shipping. A British government spokesperson said London was working with allies on a range of options as the threat picture develops in the region.
That response stops short of confirming any immediate deployment, but it shows Britain is actively weighing how to respond as pressure grows from Washington and as security risks in the Gulf continue to rise. Reports this week also said the UK had been reviewing possible maritime protection measures tied to Hormuz.
Trump Warns Iran Over Shipping Threats
Trump tied his appeal directly to Iran’s threats against traffic through the strait. Reuters reported that he warned Tehran still had the ability to disrupt the route through drones, mines or short-range missile attacks even after claiming that most of Iran’s military capabilities had already been destroyed. He also said the US would continue military action against Iranian naval threats if needed.
The warning came after Trump separately threatened Iran over Kharg Island, a critical export hub for Iranian crude. Reuters reported that he had already indicated the US could target oil-related infrastructure there if Iran interfered with safe passage through Hormuz.
Shipping Risks and Oil Market Fears Keep Growing
The push for more naval protection reflects growing concern over the security of tankers and cargo ships moving through the area. The Strait of Hormuz handles a large share of the world’s seaborne oil and gas trade, so any disruption quickly affects global markets and energy prices. Reuters noted that escalating Iranian retaliation and repeated attacks on shipping have driven allies to consider a more coordinated security response.
With no clear sign of de-escalation, Trump’s latest call puts additional pressure on US allies to decide whether they are willing to take a more visible military role in one of the world’s most dangerous waterways.