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

Following recent tensions with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has pressed the United Kingdom to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to maintain its open status. In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump called for international collaboration, specifically highlighting the UK’s role in safeguarding the critical waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital link between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, facilitating the transit of approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily. This figure underscores its significance as a major conduit for global energy trade. However, the ongoing conflict has disrupted this flow, with Iranian attacks on merchant vessels prompting concerns over its accessibility.

“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 has refuted claims of its military being rendered ineffective, calling them “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 current appeal contrasts with earlier remarks on the same social media platform, where he criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for hesitating to join the conflict. Last week, he tweeted: “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. 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!”

The UK did not participate in the initial U.S.-led strikes targeting Iran, which resulted in the death of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Starmer has justified his stance, stating it aligns with Britain’s national interest. “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,” he said during a parliamentary session this week.