Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open
Trump calls on UK to send warships to keep strait of Hormuz open
Donald Trump has urged the UK to deploy warships to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz. On Saturday, the US president posted a message on Truth Social, calling for international cooperation to secure the vital waterway. The strait serves as a critical link between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, facilitating the passage of a fifth of global oil shipments.
Over 20 million barrels of oil traverse the strait daily, making it a linchpin for international trade. However, Iran’s military actions have disrupted this flow. Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran two weeks ago, several ships in the region have been targeted. These attacks have effectively blocked the strait, causing oil prices to soar and intensifying economic strain worldwide.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote. “We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are.”
Iran dismissed Trump’s claims, stating that the assertion of its military being “totally decapitated” was rooted in “fabricated lies.” A Defence spokesperson noted: “As we’ve said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”
Trump’s latest appeal contrasts with his earlier criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Last week, he accused Starmer of hesitating to join the conflict after the US had supposedly secured victory. “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East,” Trump tweeted. “That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer – But we will remember. We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”
Starmer has justified the UK’s decision to avoid direct military involvement in the initial strikes. The country did not participate in the attacks that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Starmer emphasized his responsibility to prioritize Britain’s national interests when addressing parliamentary inquiries.
