US President Donald Trump has called on the United Kingdom to send warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, amid ongoing conflict with Iran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged the UK and other nations to deploy vessels to the strategic waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key trading artery between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, has seen numerous attacks on ships since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran a fortnight ago. The waterway is now effectively closed, driving up oil prices and putting intense pressure on the global economy. Trump claimed that the US has already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, but acknowledged that Iran could still launch drones, mines, or missiles in the area.
In response, Iran dismissed Trump's claims as “fabricated lies”. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the UK is discussing with allies a range of options to ensure shipping security in the region. Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, who captained British warships in the region in the 1980s and 1990s, warned that the risks are now “too great” to guarantee the safety of oil tankers in the strait.
Trump's plea marks a reversal from his comments last week, when he accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of attempting to join the conflict after he had already claimed victory. Trump had written: “We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!” The UK did not join the initial strikes on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Starmer defended his decision, saying it was his duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest.
