Donald Trump has called on China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send naval ships to help the US force open the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has in effect closed the narrow waterway at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf by threatening to fire at any ships that try to pass. Oil and gas prices have soared in response.
“Many countries, especially those who are affected [ . . .] will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
In another post later on Saturday, Trump said the “Countries of the World” that receive oil through the strait “must take care of that passage”. The US would “help — A LOT”, he added.
“This should always have been a team effort, and now it will be,” he wrote.
France has promised to send at least 10 warships to the region. The UK said last week it not did not plan to send an aircraft carrier. There have been no public comments from Japan, South Korea or China.
