Trump Seeks Naval Support in Hormuz, Concedes Iran Can Still Strike

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump called for an international naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint currently disrupted by the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.

Posted to social media on Saturday, the President’s appeal signaled a notable shift in strategy. By admitting that Iran retains the "asymmetric" capability to strike the waterway with drones and mines—despite heavy U.S. aerial bombardment—the administration has, for the first time, publicly acknowledged that a unilateral military solution may not suffice. This pivot suggests that international naval cooperation is now viewed as essential to fully restoring safe passage through the chokepoint.

Trump, who has said the United States will soon start escorting tankers through the strait, posted on Truth Social that "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."

The US president added: "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area."

Iranian strikes have all but halted maritime traffic in the strait, through which a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally pass. It is just 54 kilometres (34 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

With oil prices spiking, Trump was asked on Friday when the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. "It'll happen soon, very soon," he said.

In his post on Saturday, Trump asserted that Iran's military capability had been eliminated, but he conceded that it was still able to attack the strait. "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," he wrote.

As he urged nations to send ships to the strait, he added that "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!"