Trump urges allies to help protect Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise in Middle East
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 16, 2026, 21:26 IST
Trump seeks global help on Strait of Hormuz
President Trump urged other countries to help the U.S. protect the Strait of Hormuz as the war with Iran threatens global oil shipments. The administration is seeking international support to secure the key shipping route while tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
President Donald Trump is calling on other countries to help the United States secure the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, as the conflict with Iran continues to threaten global oil supplies and regional stability.
President Trump urged other countries to help the U.S. protect the Strait of Hormuz as the war with Iran threatens global oil shipments. The administration is seeking international support to secure the key shipping route while tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the U.S. should not be the only country responsible for protecting the narrow waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass. He argued that many nations depend on the route for energy and trade, and therefore should share the burden of keeping it open and safe.
The request comes as fighting between U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces has raised fears that the strait could be blocked or mined, which could disrupt global markets and push fuel prices higher around the world. American officials say Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the route in response to airstrikes and sanctions.
Trump said the administration has been in contact with European and Asian allies about joining a security effort in the Persian Gulf. Countries that rely heavily on oil shipments from the region, including Japan, South Korea, and several European nations, could be asked to provide naval support, surveillance, or funding.
U.S. defense officials say American forces are already operating heavily in the region, escorting ships and monitoring Iranian naval activity. The Pentagon has warned that protecting commercial traffic alone could require a long-term military presence if the conflict continues.
Concerns about the safety of the Strait of Hormuz have already affected global energy prices. Oil surged earlier in the week after attacks on ships near the route and reports that Iran may attempt to block traffic. Analysts say even the threat of disruption can cause major price swings because so much of the world’s supply depends on the passage.
The administration has also discussed releasing emergency oil reserves and easing some restrictions on foreign oil exports in an effort to stabilize markets while the situation remains uncertain.
Iranian officials have said they will continue to challenge U.S. and allied forces in the region, arguing that the presence of foreign militaries near their coast is a threat to national security. Tehran has warned that any attempt to control the strait by force could lead to wider conflict across the Middle East.
With international talks stalled and military operations continuing, the push for allied support highlights growing concern in Washington that the conflict could become a prolonged global security crisis.
President Trump urged other countries to help the U.S. protect the Strait of Hormuz as the war with Iran threatens global oil shipments. The administration is seeking international support to secure the key shipping route while tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the U.S. should not be the only country responsible for protecting the narrow waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil shipments pass. He argued that many nations depend on the route for energy and trade, and therefore should share the burden of keeping it open and safe.
The request comes as fighting between U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces has raised fears that the strait could be blocked or mined, which could disrupt global markets and push fuel prices higher around the world. American officials say Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the route in response to airstrikes and sanctions.
U.S. seeks international support
Trump said the administration has been in contact with European and Asian allies about joining a security effort in the Persian Gulf. Countries that rely heavily on oil shipments from the region, including Japan, South Korea, and several European nations, could be asked to provide naval support, surveillance, or funding.
U.S. defense officials say American forces are already operating heavily in the region, escorting ships and monitoring Iranian naval activity. The Pentagon has warned that protecting commercial traffic alone could require a long-term military presence if the conflict continues.
Oil markets react to uncertainty
Concerns about the safety of the Strait of Hormuz have already affected global energy prices. Oil surged earlier in the week after attacks on ships near the route and reports that Iran may attempt to block traffic. Analysts say even the threat of disruption can cause major price swings because so much of the world’s supply depends on the passage.
The administration has also discussed releasing emergency oil reserves and easing some restrictions on foreign oil exports in an effort to stabilize markets while the situation remains uncertain.
Iran vows to resist pressure
Iranian officials have said they will continue to challenge U.S. and allied forces in the region, arguing that the presence of foreign militaries near their coast is a threat to national security. Tehran has warned that any attempt to control the strait by force could lead to wider conflict across the Middle East.
With international talks stalled and military operations continuing, the push for allied support highlights growing concern in Washington that the conflict could become a prolonged global security crisis.