United States President Donald Trump urged international allies on Saturday to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He posted on Truth Social that “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 specifically named several nations in his appeal. He stated, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area.”
The president announced aggressive American military measures. He wrote that “the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water.” He added, “One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
Trump acknowledged that Iran retained some offensive capabilities despite extensive US strikes. He conceded that “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.”
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. The waterway measures just 54 kilometers at its narrowest point and normally carries one fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
US forces conducted heavy bombing raids on Kharg Island on Friday. The island handles almost all of Iran’s crude exports. Trump described the operation as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East” and stated it “totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”
Trump threatened further strikes if shipping remained blocked. He stated, “I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider.”
