US President Donald Trump has called on the UK and other nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to keep the key oil shipping route open amid ongoing conflict with Iran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that countries affected by Iran's attempted closure of the strait should send vessels in conjunction with the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital trading artery between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes. Last year, about 20 million barrels of oil transited the strait daily. However, since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began a fortnight ago, numerous ships have been attacked, effectively closing the route and driving up oil prices.
Trump's post claimed that the US has already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, but acknowledged that Iran could still deploy drones, mines, or missiles in the waterway. He urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others to send ships, while warning that the US would continue bombing the shoreline and targeting Iranian boats. Iran responded by dismissing Trump's claims as fabricated lies.
A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the government is discussing options with allies to ensure shipping security in the region. However, Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, who commanded British warships in the area in the 1980s and 1990s, warned that the risks are currently too great to guarantee the safety of oil tankers. His comments come after the UK sent HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean earlier this week.
Trump's call for UK involvement contrasts with his remarks last week, when he accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of attempting to join the conflict after the US had already claimed victory. Starmer defended his decision not to participate in the initial strikes on Iran, stating that it is his duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest.
