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

Trump Calls on UK to Deploy Warships to Secure Hormuz Strait

President Donald Trump has urged the UK to send naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz to maintain its openness. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, he emphasized the need for collective action, including the United States and other nations, to protect the critical waterway. The strait serves as a vital link between the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, facilitating the movement of a fifth of global oil traffic. Last year, roughly 20 million barrels of oil passed through the region every day.

Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran two weeks ago, several vessels traversing the strait have faced attacks. These incidents have significantly disrupted shipping, raising concerns about the strait’s functionality. Trump asserted that the UK, along with other affected nations, should contribute to safeguarding the passage. He also highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Iran, despite claims of its military being fully neutralized.

“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 stated. “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.”

In response to Trump’s remarks, Iran dismissed the assertion that its military had been completely dismantled, calling it “fabricated lies.” A spokesperson from the UK Ministry of Defence 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 appeal to the UK contrasts with his earlier criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Last week, he accused Starmer of hesitating to join the conflict after the US had already secured a 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,” he wrote. “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 had previously defended the UK’s decision not to participate in the initial strikes, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This week, he told MPs: “President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest.”