Donald Trump on Saturday called on other countries to deploy naval vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments that has been disrupted by tensions linked to the Middle East war.

The US president said several nations could join efforts alongside the United States to keep the waterway open for international shipping.

Posting on the social platform Truth Social, Trump wrote 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.”

He added that key global economies impacted by the disruption should contribute to the effort.

“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area.”

Also on Saturday, the White House echoed the president’s stance in a noon post on X, stating: “One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” – President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil shipments.

The latest tensions are part of a widening Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States that escalated after joint US–Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets in late February.

Since then, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region and threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a broader regional war and global economic fallout.

The strategic waterway has become the focal point of the crisis because it is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

More than 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait each day — roughly a fifth of global consumption, according to Reuters, and disruptions there have already pushed oil prices sharply higher as markets fear prolonged supply shortages.

The conflict has also begun affecting shipping and trade across the Gulf.

Tankers have been attacked and maritime traffic disrupted, while analysts warn that a sustained blockade could have “catastrophic consequences” for global energy markets and the wider economy.