United States: The United States has called on allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for global energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump has urged countries including the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan and South Korea to deploy warships to the strategic waterway. The request has come after several tanker attacks were reported since military operations against Iran began two weeks ago.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is considered the busiest oil shipping route in the world. Around 20 percent of global oil supplies normally pass through the narrow channel, making its security critical for international energy markets.
Trump said allied naval forces could help ensure safe passage for commercial ships and prevent further disruptions. In a statement, Trump said that, “Many countries will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States to help keep the strait open and safe.”
The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence has responded by stating that discussions are underway with allies regarding possible measures to protect shipping in the region.
Iran has maintained that it will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the Gulf. The disruption has already contributed to a sharp increase in global oil prices following attacks on energy infrastructure and tankers operating near the waterway.
Trump has also warned that Iran could still launch drone strikes, lay sea mines or carry out missile attacks targeting vessels in the area.
The US president has suggested that American forces would continue military operations to ensure the shipping route remains open. Trump said that, “One way or another, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait open, safe, and free.”
Trump has also warned Iran against interfering with vessels attempting to pass through the strait. The United States has threatened to strike oil infrastructure on Kharg Island if Iranian forces target ships linked to the United States or its allies.
Iranian authorities have responded with warnings of their own. Iranian military officials have stated that oil and energy facilities belonging to companies cooperating with the United States could be targeted if Iran’s infrastructure is attacked.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency has reported that 16 ships have been attacked near the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began on 28 February.
Currently, even the US Navy has not begun escorting commercial tankers through the narrow waterway.
The United Kingdom has also moved military assets closer to the region. The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon has departed for Cyprus to support operations linked to the RAF base at Akrotiri after drone strikes were reported nearby.
British authorities have also increased air force deployments in the region to protect military personnel and respond to potential security threats.
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