Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open
Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open
Donald Trump has urged the UK to deploy naval forces to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz. On Saturday, the US president shared a message on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing the need for allied nations to station vessels in the critical waterway amid escalating tensions with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. It is responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, with around 20 million barrels passing through daily last year. Recent hostilities have disrupted this flow, as multiple vessels navigating the strait have faced assaults since the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran two weeks ago.
“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 asserted that nations impacted by Iran’s actions would support efforts to secure the strait, calling the country “totally decapitated.” He promised US military action, including bombing shorelines and targeting Iranian boats. “One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” he concluded.
Iran’s Response and UK’s Stance
Iran dismissed claims of its military being entirely neutralized, calling them “fabricated lies.” Meanwhile, the UK has maintained a cautious position, with a Defence spokesperson noting: “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.”
Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, has defended his decision not to join the initial strikes against Iran, which resulted in the death of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Last week, Trump criticized the UK for considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, suggesting the country was “giving serious thought” to participating in the conflict. “That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer – But we will remember,” he wrote. “We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”
