Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged several countries across Europe and Asia to send military vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage that faces threats from Iran. This call comes as tensions escalate in the region, with concerns over Iran’s ability to disrupt shipping routes.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that while the U.S. has effectively neutralized Iran’s military capabilities, the country still poses a risk to maritime safety. He specifically reached out to nations including China, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and South Korea, advocating for joint naval patrols to ensure the strait remains open and secure.
Trump stated, “Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, will send military ships alongside the U.S. to keep the strait open and safe.” He emphasized the ongoing threat posed by Iran, noting that it could still launch targeted strikes against shipping in the area.
Despite asserting that the U.S. has destroyed 100% of Iran’s military potential, Trump warned that the Iranian regime retains the capability to deploy drones, lay mines, or fire short-range missiles in this vital maritime corridor. He further declared that the U.S. would take decisive action against Iranian vessels, stating, “We will bomb the coastline to smithereens and continually destroy Iranian boats and ships. Regardless, we will soon make the Strait of Hormuz open, safe, and free.”
Earlier, Trump indicated that U.S. naval forces would soon begin escorting commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to bolster security.
Military Operations Against Iran
The situation escalated further on February 28, when Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran, prompting Trump to announce that U.S. military forces had launched a significant operation against Iran. He cited the need to eliminate what he described as imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime, accusing it of funding and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
According to Trump, the objectives of this military campaign include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, as well as preventing any potential destabilization of global security.
In response to these developments, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel, in addition to targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of these military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reiterated its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also weighed in, suggesting that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee security for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had died, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, on March 1, the IRGC announced the launch of what it termed the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases.
Trump responded to these threats by urging the Iranian regime to abandon its plans, warning of a “very strong blow” in retaliation. On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, mentioning that he had already identified several candidates for a potential “good leader.” Subsequently, on March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the deceased Supreme Leader, as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” Previously, he had remarked that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Former President Donald Trump has called for international naval support to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions with Iran. His statements follow recent military actions involving Israel and the U.S. against Iranian targets, highlighting ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region.