Donald Trump says “many countries” will deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump said that “many countries” would deploy warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open after Iran effectively blocked the crucial shipping route amid the ongoing war.

In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said several nations—“especially those affected by Iran’s attempted closure” of the strait—would send naval forces to operate alongside the United States. He cited China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom as possible contributors.

The strait, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, has remained largely closed since hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated earlier this month. Most commercial vessels have been avoiding the route because of security risks.

Trump claimed that U.S. forces had already “destroyed 100% of Iran’s military capability,” though he acknowledged that Tehran could still disrupt shipping with drones, naval mines or short-range missiles. He said American forces would continue striking Iranian coastal positions to reopen the waterway.

Iranian officials rejected the claim that the strait had been completely shut. Alireza Tangsiri, head of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the waterway was “under control” but had not been militarily closed.

Meanwhile, Abbas Araghchi said the passage was restricted only to “tankers and ships of enemies and their allies,” rather than all shipping. He also warned that American vessels had no right to enter the Gulf.

Despite the tensions, some ships have still crossed the strait. Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas passed safely on Saturday after Iran granted special permission following talks between Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian, according to Indian officials. A Turkish vessel was also allowed to transit earlier in the week.

The United States is strengthening its military presence in the region, with about 2,500 Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) heading toward the Middle East.

Experts warn that reopening the strait may not be quick or straightforward. Even sporadic attacks could discourage shipping insurers and keep the vital trade route largely closed, posing risks to global energy supplies and food security.