President Donald Trump has called on other nations to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to help safeguard a crucial route for global oil shipments amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that countries directly affected by Iran’s attempts to block the waterway should join the United States in keeping the strait open and secure. He specifically mentioned China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom as potential contributors to the effort.

The White House also echoed the president’s message on social media, asserting that efforts are underway to ensure the strategic passage remains “open, safe, and free.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital energy corridor, with over 20 million barrels of oil passing through it daily – about a fifth of global consumption. Disruptions in the strait have already caused oil prices to rise, reflecting fears of supply shortages.

Tensions escalated after joint US–Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets in late February. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks across the region and threatened shipping in the strait, raising concerns of a wider conflict and economic fallout.

Maritime traffic has been affected, with tankers coming under attack and shipping routes disrupted. Analysts warn that a prolonged blockade could have severe consequences for global energy markets and international trade.