Trump Urges Nations to Deploy Warships to Hormuz as China and UK Respond

US President Donald Trump has issued an urgent call for multiple nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions amid ongoing conflict with Iran.

“A Turkish-owned vessel was similarly allowed through earlier this week after Ankara negotiated passage directly with Tehran, with 14 more Turkish vessels still awaiting clearance”

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In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump specifically named China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as countries that should join the US in sending naval forces to keep the vital waterway 'open and safe.'

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Trump claimed that despite having 'destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability,' Tehran could still disrupt shipping through drones, mines, or short-range missiles.

Trump warned that 'the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water.'

The US Navy is preparing to begin escorting oil tankers through the strait 'very soon,' with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier being kept in service until March 2027 as part of this operation.

China and the United Kingdom have responded cautiously to Trump's demands, reflecting broader international hesitation about direct military involvement in the escalating conflict.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington emphasized that China 'wants an immediate cessation of hostilities' and that 'all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.'

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The statement added that China will 'continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for deescalation and restoration of peace.'

Similarly, the UK's Ministry of Defense stated they are 'currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region,' while France has been described as building 'a coalition for securing the strait once conditions stabilize.'

Japan's ruling party policy leader Takayuki Kobayashi told NHK public television that while he wouldn't 'completely dismiss the possibility,' 'the (legal) threshold is very high' due to Japan's post-war constitution limiting military deployment.

The escalating tensions center on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, carrying over 20 million barrels of crude oil daily - approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments.

“Naval Academy faculty member and former foreign policy adviser to GOP Sen”

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Iran declared the strait closed to international traffic following the US-Israeli pre-emptive attacks on February 28, stating that any vessel passing through would require Iran's 'prior approval.'

Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned it would 'not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region to the US' through the strait.

Since the closure, at least 29 maritime incidents have been reported, with attacks on vessels including tankers and container ships, leading to disruptions that have pushed Brent Crude prices to around $103.14 per barrel.

Despite Iran's claims of closure, a US official noted that Tehran's moves have had ripple effects throughout the global economy, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed in an interview that the strait is 'only closed to vessels from the US and Israel.'

The conflict has rapidly expanded beyond the initial US-Iran confrontation, with Trump recently escalating attacks on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub.

In an interview with NBC News, Trump claimed US strikes had 'totally demolished' much of the oil export facility and warned, 'We may hit it a few more times just for fun,' marking a significant escalation in his rhetoric.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by stating that Iran would respond to any attack on its energy facilities, while Iranian Revolutionary Guard issued warnings urging civilians to evacuate areas near facilities connected to US businesses.

The conflict has spread to include Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have killed at least 826 people according to Lebanese authorities, and to Gulf countries that were not involved in the initial assault.

Additionally, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed CNN that Russia has been providing Iran with Shahed drone technology for use against American and Israeli forces, though their exact origins are often unclear.

International efforts to address the crisis remain divided, with some countries exploring limited options while others maintain diplomatic channels.

South Korea's presidential administration stated it would make a decision following a 'careful review' of Trump's request, acknowledging the potential risks to Korean businesses operating across the Middle East if they become directly involved.

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Doo Jin-ho, a security expert at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, noted that 'Providing limited military support by escorting Korean commercial vessels and those of allied nations in Hormuz would be a realistic option, but it may not satisfy Washington.'

Meanwhile, UAE officials have expressed frustration with Iran's actions, with senior diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash saying Araghchi's comments accusing the Emirates of aggression are 'part of a confused policy that has misdirected its aim, lost its compass, and forsaken wisdom.'

The Formula 1 racing organization has already cancelled races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to safety concerns, while the US has discussed releasing about 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to address the oil supply disruption caused by the strait closure.