Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open

Trump Urges UK to Deploy Naval Forces for Hormuz Security

Donald Trump has urged the United Kingdom to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to safeguard this critical waterway. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the former U.S. president highlighted the importance of international cooperation to maintain the strait’s openness, following recent tensions with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital corridor for oil trade, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil traverse this route daily, making it a cornerstone of global energy supply. Since the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on Iran two weeks ago, the area has seen a surge in attacks on commercial ships, threatening its functionality.

“Many countries, particularly those impacted by Iran’s efforts to block the Hormuz Strait, will soon be sending warships alongside the U.S. to ensure its security,” Trump stated. “Despite Iran’s military being largely neutralized, they remain capable of deploying drones, mines, or missiles to disrupt this passage, no matter how diminished their forces.”

Iran has dismissed Trump’s claims, calling them “fabricated lies” in response to the president’s assertion that its military capabilities have been fully eradicated. Meanwhile, the UK’s Ministry of Defence confirmed it is evaluating various measures with allies to secure maritime routes in the region.

Trump’s call to the UK contrasts with his earlier criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Last week, he accused the UK of hesitating to enter the conflict after claiming victory, noting: “The UK, once our greatest ally, is now considering sending two carriers to the Middle East. That’s fine, but we won’t forget those who delay joining the fight.”

Starmer has defended the UK’s decision not to participate in the initial strikes that targeted Iran’s leadership, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During a recent address to Parliament, he stated, “President Trump has questioned our approach, but it is my responsibility to determine what aligns with Britain’s national interest.”