Trump eyes force to reopen Strait of Hormuz: Operation details emerge
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump plans to use force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to restore full-scale oil exports, according to Axios.
According to the agency's sources, Trump is working to form a coalition of countries to open the Strait of Hormuz and hopes to announce it as early as this week.
Trump is also considering seizing Iran's critical oil terminal on Kharg Island if tankers remain blocked in the Persian Gulf.
On Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he was demanding that NATO countries and other oil-importing nations, including China, help the US ensure the strait’s security.
Trump said that they were talking to other countries about patrolling the straits and that it would be good if other countries patrolled them together with the United States. He added that they would help and that they were getting a good response
He also added that the US was in talks with seven countries and noted that some have already declined, while emphasizing that the mission would be small since Iran has very little firepower left.
On Sunday, Trump also discussed these efforts with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Axios source notes it was a busy weekend of diplomacy between the US and its European allies, as well as countries in the Persian Gulf and Asia. The Trump administration’s main goal is to secure political support from allies for a coalition in the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Trump administration official states that some will announce their support for the White House’s proposal as early as this week, forming what the US calls the Hormuz Coalition.
Countries will be asked to provide warships, command and control systems, drones, and other military equipment.
Why Strait of Hormuz is important
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s main energy artery, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. About 20% of the world’s oil consumption and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas are transported through this narrow passage.
RBC-Ukraine reported on what the Strait of Hormuz is and why its blockade could paralyze the global economy.
Earlier, the White House stated that US military convoys in the Strait of Hormuz remain an option for protecting commercial shipping, though Washington seeks to avoid confrontation with Iranian forces.
European countries, notably France and Italy, have begun private negotiations with Tehran to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and to resume energy supplies.
