U.S. President Donald Trump has called on major global powers to deploy naval forces to help safeguard oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route now under threat due to escalating tensions with Iran.
The appeal comes as Iranian attacks and threats have nearly halted shipping through the strategic waterway, which normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, causing global oil prices to surge by around 40 percent and rattling the international economy.
In a message posted on social media, Trump urged countries affected by the disruption to join the United States in securing the strait.
“Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote.
He specifically mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as nations that could support the initiative.
The call follows ongoing hostilities between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran, which began on February 28. Despite heavy bombardments, Tehran has rejected Trump’s claim that its military capabilities had been completely destroyed.
Iranian forces have launched drones and missiles targeting Israel and energy facilities across the Middle East.
Explosions were reported in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, while thick smoke was seen rising from an oil terminal in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
Security sources also reported that the United States Embassy in Iraq was struck by a drone.
Meanwhile, U.S. forces reportedly launched strikes on Kharg Island, the hub through which most Iranian oil exports flow. Trump said the strikes destroyed military targets but avoided energy facilities.
Iran warned that any attacks on its oil infrastructure would lead to retaliatory strikes against U.S.-linked energy companies.
According to Iran’s health ministry, more than 1,200 people have been killed since the conflict began, although the figures have not been independently verified.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that as many as 3.2 million people have been displaced, with many fleeing major cities.
The Pentagon said more than 15,000 targets in Iran had been hit by U.S. and Israeli forces during the campaign.
U.S. media also reported that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and about 2,500 Marines have been deployed to the region.
The conflict has widened beyond Iran and Israel. Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah has launched attacks against Israel from Lebanon, prompting Israeli air and ground strikes that Lebanese authorities say have killed at least 826 people.
Evacuation orders across large areas of southern Lebanon have displaced hundreds of thousands, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, missile interceptions were reported across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the widening regional impact of the conflict.
The war is already disrupting sectors beyond energy. Formula 1 has cancelled the Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled for April due to security concerns.
With tensions escalating and global oil supply under threat, international attention is now focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent the conflict from expanding further.
