President Donald Trump has claimed that countries affected by Iran’s attempts to close the Hormuz Strait will deploy warships alongside the United States to ensure the waterway remains open and safe.
In a statement dated March 14, Trump said that although U.S. forces have struck many Iranian military targets, threats from drones, mines, or missiles remain a danger to shipping.
“Many Countries, especially those that are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” read part of the statement.
He urged the countries, including those heavily dependent on Gulf oil exports, to contribute naval vessels so that the Strait can be reopened safely.
“In the meantime, 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.”
Trump says US will soon escort ships through Hormuz
Trump earlier confirmed that the U.S. Navy will soon escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, March 13, before boarding Air Force One, Trump said the escorts would begin “very soon”.
Asked again how long he thinks the war will last, he said, “I can’t tell you that”.
“I mean, I have my own idea, but what good does it do?” he said. “It’ll be as long as it’s necessary. They’ve been decimated.”
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The president had previously said that the war would end if Iran offered its unconditional surrender. Asked what that meant, he said their navy, air force, and most of their military are “gone.”
“It means, very simply, that we are in a position of dominance that nobody’s ever seen before,” he said, adding, “Whether or not they’re able to say the words.
Troubled Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is now one of the most dangerous shipping zones in the world as attacks on vessels increase.
On March 11, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed multiple recent strikes, including two vessels hit minutes apart, one about 11 nautical miles off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz and another 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai.
Crews reported fires, damage, and emergency evacuations as projectiles struck without warning.
The body also reported repeated projectile hits and near‑miss explosions across the Gulf of Oman and UAE waters, with vessels struck near Fujairah and blasts reported west of Sharjah.
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Major carriers, including Maersk, have suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz and are redirecting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Gulf entirely.
Mariners have been advised to maintain wide separation from Iranian waters, energy facilities, and military sites to lower the risk from projectiles, drones, or mines.
