New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has warned that tensions with Iran could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for oil and energy supplies. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump called for international cooperation to keep the waterway open.
Trump urged countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to deploy naval vessels in the region. Reports said the move aims to build a multinational maritime presence that can prevent attacks and protect shipping lanes.
Trump calls for multinational naval presence
According to reports, Trump said global powers must act together to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international trade and energy shipments. The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and carries a major share of global oil exports.
While describing recent military developments, Trump said the United States had weakened Iran’s military capacity. “100% of Iran’s military capability,” he wrote in the post. However, he warned that Iran could still carry out limited attacks on vessels passing through the area.
Reports said such attacks could involve drones, sea mines or short range missiles. These tactics could threaten commercial ships and tankers using the narrow sea route.
US military remains on alert
Trump said US forces would maintain a strong military presence near Iran’s coastline. He warned that the US military would respond if Iranian boats tried to threaten ships in the strait.
“We will soon get the Hormuz Strait open, safe and free,” Trump said in the post. According to reports, the United States plans to continue monitoring the region closely.
India secures passage for its ships
Amid the escalating tensions, India and Iran have reportedly reached an understanding to allow Indian vessels to move through the Strait of Hormuz. Sources said a ship named Shivalik carrying around 40,000 metric tonnes of LPG is expected to reach India within about seven days.
The vessel departed from Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and crossed the strait recently. Reports said the Indian Navy is escorting the ship during its voyage to ensure safety.
Another vessel is also expected to cross the strait and dock in India in the coming days. The development followed several rounds of diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Tehran. The latest conversation reportedly took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Earlier in the day, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India said that the Strait of Hormuz has not been fully closed and some ships continue to pass through the region.