Washington, March 15, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has called on multiple nations — including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom — to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to reopen the critical shipping route, which Iran has effectively blockaded during the two-week-old U.S.-Israel war against the Islamic Republic.
In a series of posts on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump declared that “many countries” would join the United States in sending naval forces “to keep the Strait open and safe.” He specifically named China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK as nations he hoped would contribute, stating: “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.”
Trump added that the U.S. would provide substantial support and coordinate the effort, describing it as a “team effort” for countries that rely on oil passing through the strait. He warned Iran directly: “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. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”
The appeal comes as Iran has declared the narrow waterway — through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and significant LNG supplies normally flow — closed to “tankers and ships of enemies” in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes. Iranian forces have attacked at least 16 vessels since the conflict began on February 28, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. Shipping traffic has plummeted, driving Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in nearly four years.
Iran’s IRGC Navy chief, Alireza Tangsiri, pushed back on Trump’s claims, telling state media the strait is “under control” rather than fully closed and accusing the U.S. of exaggerating Iran’s naval losses. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that only vessels linked to “enemies and their allies” are barred, while limited exemptions have been granted to countries like India and Turkey following diplomatic talks.
The Trump administration has already conducted major strikes, including what the president described as the “obliteration” of military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub. He has separately threatened further attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure if Tehran continues to interfere with shipping. The U.S. Navy is preparing to escort commercial vessels, though no timeline has been set, and 2,500 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli are heading to the region.
International reactions have been cautious. The UK Ministry of Defence said it is discussing options with allies to secure shipping. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated willingness to send warships for escort duties once the conflict’s most intense phase subsides. China has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stable energy supplies but has not committed vessels.
Experts warn that clearing mines, drones and occasional Iranian attacks could take weeks or months, even with international naval support. The blockade threatens not only global energy markets but also food security, as LNG from the Gulf is vital for fertilizer production.
Trump’s latest statements mark an escalation in his push for a multinational naval coalition while underscoring U.S. readiness to use force unilaterally if needed to restore freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital chokepoints.
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