US President Donald Trump has called on China and several other major countries to contribute warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil chokepoint disrupted by the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran. The appeal, made via posts on Truth Social on March 14, 2026, comes as the conflict enters its third week, with Iran imposing restrictions on maritime traffic through the strait in retaliation for US and Israeli military actions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Disruptions have led to halted tanker traffic, multiple reported attacks on vessels, surging global oil prices, and widespread economic concerns.
In his posts, Trump claimed that the US has “destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability” and “totally decapitated” the nation, while acknowledging that Iran could still pose threats through drones, mines, or missiles. He described the effort to reopen the strait as a “team effort” and an “honor” for the United States to assist oil-dependent nations, particularly those heavily reliant on imports via the route.
Trump specifically urged several countries to send warships “in conjunction with the United States of America” to keep the passage “open and safe.” He wrote: “Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships… Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated.”
The president emphasized coordination by the US to ensure operations proceed “quickly, smoothly, and well,” framing the initiative as mutual benefit for nations whose economies depend on uninterrupted energy flows through the strait.
International Reactions and Developments
China has rejected the call, with reports indicating Beijing views the strait as under Iran’s sovereign influence and urging immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire. No official commitments have emerged from France, Japan, South Korea, or the United Kingdom to deploy naval forces. The UK has indicated it is discussing options with allies, while others have remained silent or non-committal.
Iran has maintained that the strait remains open to non-hostile vessels but closed to those of the US and Israel, labeling them “enemies.” Iranian officials mocked the US appeal, with the foreign minister describing it as Washington “begging” even China for help after failing to fully neutralize threats. Multiple incidents have been reported since late February 2026, including confirmed attacks on tankers, though some neutral-flagged vessels have transited safely.
The US has reiterated its commitment to escort commercial shipping and protect the waterway, with Trump stating the strait would be reopened “one way or another.” However, the public outreach for international naval support marks a shift, highlighting the challenges of securing the route amid persistent Iranian asymmetric threats despite claimed US military dominance.
The situation remains highly volatile, with global energy markets reacting to the uncertainty and no multinational naval coalition yet confirmed. The conflict continues to raise fears of broader escalation in the Middle East and prolonged disruptions to global oil supplies.
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