Trump eyes shifting Hormuz security to allies — Bloomberg
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
The US is demanding that its European allies make specific commitments to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz following the cessation of hostilities in Iran, according to Bloomberg.
Citing a high-ranking NATO official, the agency reports that countries are being asked to provide specific plans for ensuring navigation within a few days.
According to the source, this request was made during discussions between US and NATO officials at the White House, where US President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Consultations also took place at the Pentagon and the State Department.
Bloomberg notes that the British-led coalition of more than 40 countries, which includes many European nations, Japan, and Canada, has pledged to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities in the Middle East cease.
The closure of the Strait led to a sharp rise in global energy prices and sparked fears of an impending fuel shortage.
US-Iran ceasefire
On the night of April 8, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. Israel also joined this agreement, and the parties planned to finalize the peace terms within 14 days.
However, the ceasefire did not actually take effect. Within a few hours, it became known that Israel and Iran were continuing to exchange strikes. Following this, Iran completely halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 8, Iran announced that it would require payment in cryptocurrency for the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz during the temporary ceasefire with the US.
