Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz
The president insisted that Iran’s military capability had been eliminated but admitted it was still able to attack the strait
US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged other nations, including China, to deploy ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies disrupted by the war in the Middle East.
“Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area.”
The strait between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean is a vital trade route for crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Air strikes have effectively halted maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington, called for an immediate stop to military operations in the area, adding that “keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community”.
Liu said all parties have a responsibility to ensure the supply of energy and that China would “play a constructive role” in deescalating the situation and restoring peace.