Washington, 16 March 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump has called on other countries to contribute military support to secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, warning that nations heavily reliant on Middle Eastern energy should help protect the corridor amid escalating tensions with Iran.
The appeal comes as the waterway, through which roughly 20% of global oil shipments normally pass, faces severe disruption during the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran.
Call for a Global Naval Coalition
Trump said Washington is in talks with around seven countries about forming a coalition to secure the strait and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
He argued that countries that depend heavily on Gulf oil should shoulder greater responsibility for safeguarding the shipping lane. Nations reportedly mentioned in discussions include China, Japan, France, South Korea and the United Kingdom, though none have yet committed to sending warships.
Trump also suggested that the U.S. itself relies less on oil from the region and therefore should not be the only country responsible for protecting maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Energy Artery Under Threat
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes and serves as the primary export route for oil from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Recent hostilities have significantly disrupted tanker traffic and heightened fears of a broader energy shock, with oil markets reacting sharply to the uncertainty.
Allies Weigh Their Response
Several governments have responded cautiously to Trump’s request.
- Japan has said it currently has no plans to dispatch naval vessels to escort ships through the strait, citing legal and constitutional constraints on overseas military operations.
- The United Kingdom is reportedly considering alternative measures such as minesweeping drones rather than sending warships to avoid escalating the conflict.
The reluctance highlights the geopolitical sensitivity of the crisis, as countries weigh the risks of military involvement against the need to protect global energy supply chains.
Part of a Wider Middle East Conflict
The call for international support follows escalating military actions in the region, including U.S. strikes targeting Iranian military facilities tied to the disruption of shipping in the strait.
Iran has vowed retaliation and signalled that access to the strait may depend on the policies of individual countries, raising the stakes for global trade and energy markets.
With oil prices rising and tanker traffic constrained, analysts warn that the security of the Strait of Hormuz could become a defining geopolitical issue for global markets in 2026.
