Trump says that he s asked about 7 countries to join coalition to police Iran s Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he has requested around seven countries to send warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. However, he noted that these requests have not resulted in any commitments, even as oil prices rise amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump did not disclose the names of the countries, which rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil, that the U.S. government is trying to persuade to join a coalition for securing this important waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passes. “I’m asking these countries to protect their own territory, since it belongs to them,” Trump said regarding the strait, emphasizing that the U.S. does not need to intervene due to its own oil supplies. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters during his flight back to Washington from Florida on Air Force One. Trump mentioned that China receives nearly 90% of its oil from the strait, while the U.S. relies on it only minimally. He avoided confirming whether China would be part of the coalition. “It would be great to have other nations help us with this, and we will assist them,” Trump added. He has previously reached out to China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS that Tehran has been approached by several countries looking for safe passage for their ships, stating, “This is up to our military to decide.” He mentioned that vessels from various nations had been allowed to pass but did not provide specific details. Iran has insisted that the strait is accessible to all except the U.S. and its allies. Araghchi also expressed that there is no reason for discussions with the U.S. regarding an end to the conflict, pointing out that Israel and the U.S. initiated the fighting with attacks on February 28 during indirect talks about Iran’s nuclear program. He indicated that Tehran has “no plan to recover” enriched uranium that was destroyed in last year’s U.S. and Israeli strikes. Following Trump’s appeal, countries are proceeding with caution. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC earlier on Sunday that he has been in discussions with some of the nations Trump mentioned and expressed optimism that China would play a positive role in reopening the strait.