The US president said his administration is currently in talks with seven countries to form a coalition aimed at protecting the vital oil shipping route. Nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most important maritime corridors for global energy trade.
Ongoing disruptions, including threats of blockades and attacks on commercial vessels, have rattled global energy markets and contributed to rising oil prices. Amid concerns over a potential energy crisis, Trump stressed that countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil should take responsibility for securing the route.
In a social media post, Trump said he hoped nations such as France, Japan, China, South Korea and United Kingdom would join efforts to protect shipping and stabilize global oil supply.
According to a report by the The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration may soon announce a multinational initiative to safeguard ships passing through the narrow waterway. US officials say discussions are still ongoing on whether naval patrols should begin immediately or wait until the current hostilities subside.
Trump did not provide specific details about the support required from allies, but he indicated that some partner countries possess specialized naval vessels and equipment capable of detecting and clearing underwater mines.
However, early responses from several nations have been cautious. Reports by Reuters indicate that Australia and Japan have declined to send naval ships to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
An Australian official said the importance of the waterway was recognized but added that the country had neither been formally asked nor committed to contributing naval forces.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament that Tokyo had not made any decision about deploying escort ships to the Middle East and would continue evaluating possible actions within its legal framework.
South Korea also said its presidential office would decide on potential participation after careful review and consultation with Washington.
In United Kingdom, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said London was considering “any options” to help secure the waterway, including the possible deployment of ships and mine-hunting drones to the region.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington told CNN that China could not confirm whether it would deploy naval assets, but urged all sides to immediately halt hostilities.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump also warned that he might postpone his planned visit to China in April if Beijing refuses to assist in efforts to secure the shipping lane.
“I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the straits. We may delay,” Trump said.
