Trump has called on NATO allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has warned NATO allies of a “very bad” future if they do not help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
Trump stated that China must also help resolve the situation. According to him, China receives around 90 per cent of its oil via this strait.
The US President added that he may postpone his planned visit to China if there is no understanding of Beijing’s position. “We may postpone it,” he said, commenting on the possible trip.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng have concluded the first day of talks in Paris. The parties discussed the trade truce and preparations for a possible visit by Trump to Beijing in late March to meet with Xi Jinping.
Trump stressed that countries using the sea route through the Strait of Hormuz must participate in its defence.
“It is only logical that those who benefit from this strait should help ensure that nothing bad happens there,” he told the Financial Times.
The day before, the US president called on other countries to send warships to ensure the safety of shipping in the narrow waterway. He expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK might join this mission.
When asked about specific assistance, Trump noted that this involved the possible use of minesweepers and other military equipment to counter drones and sea mines.
“We are dealing them very powerful blows,” Trump said, referring to Iranian forces. According to him, Iran may cause problems in the strait, but the countries that benefit from this route must help to control the situation.
Following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran more than two weeks ago, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies usually pass through this sea route between Iran and Oman.
Trump also stated that the US could launch further strikes on the island of Kharg, which is Iran’s main oil export hub. According to him, American forces could attack the oil infrastructure at this facility if necessary.
“We can strike it in five minutes. And there’s nothing they can do about it,” he said.
Separately, the US president criticised the UK’s response following a conversation with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Trump stated that the UK could be considered a key US ally, yet initially did not support the request for assistance. According to him, the British side offered to send ships only after the US had already inflicted serious damage on Iran’s military capabilities.
The White House and the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.
