President Donald Trump has called on nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage for shipping as Iranian forces retaliate against U.S. and Israeli attacks. The vital waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travels, has seen increased tensions amid the ongoing conflict.
Trump Calls for International Naval Presence
“The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help – A LOT!” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform. He added that the U.S. would coordinate with other nations to ensure a swift and effective response.
Trump claimed that several countries, particularly those affected by Iran’s attempts to disrupt the strait, would be sending warships alongside the United States. He specifically mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK as potential contributors.
He also stated, “In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water.”
Escalating Tensions and Oil Prices
Oil prices have surged by 40% as Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacked energy facilities in the Gulf. U.S. forces recently struck Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export terminal, with Trump asserting that all military targets were “obliterated” while sparing energy infrastructure.
Iran has warned that U.S.-linked oil and energy firms would be targeted if attacked, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi repeating the threat and accusing the U.S. of launching rockets at Kharg from bases in the UAE.
International Response
Western nations have increased their military presence in the eastern Mediterranean, focusing on the security of Cyprus following an Iranian-made drone attack on a British military base there on March 2. The UK is considering additional deployments to the Gulf, and France is deploying approximately a dozen naval vessels, including its aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and potentially the Strait of Hormuz.
French officials indicated a plan is being developed to potentially escort tankers through the strait with a coalition of warships. The U.S. has also offered to escort ships through the strait to protect them from Iranian attack.
Conflict Extends to Lebanon
The conflict has expanded to Lebanon, where Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes. UN chief Antonio Guterres, during a visit to Beirut, urged diplomatic solutions to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and launched a $325 million humanitarian appeal to support Lebanon.
Lebanese health officials report 826 people have been killed since March 2, including 106 children, due to Israeli attacks. Israel is reportedly planning a major ground invasion of Lebanon, aiming to seize territory south of the Litani River.
Turkey has expressed concern over Israel’s strikes on Lebanon, warning of a potential “new genocide.”
Attacks on Healthcare Facilities
The health ministry in Lebanon has accused Israel of repeatedly targeting ambulance crews. An Israeli attack on a healthcare centre in Burj Qalawiya resulted in the deaths of doctors, paramedics, and nurses. Israel claims Hezbollah uses medical facilities for military purposes.
Israeli attacks have also hit residential areas, including an apartment building in Beirut, causing fear among residents. UN peacekeepers reported their position near Mais al-Jabal was hit by heavy machine gun fire, with one peacekeeper lightly wounded.
French President Emmanuel Macron has offered to host negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Paris, warning against allowing Lebanon to descend into chaos.
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