Trump Seeks Allies’ Naval Help in Hormuz Amid Iran Tensions

Tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran enters its third week. The vital waterway remains effectively closed to oil tankers, prompting a response from the U.S. President. President Trump is demanding assistance from China, Britain, France, Japan, and South Korea, urging them to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He stated his administration has contacted seven countries regarding securing the waterway, seeking to keep it “open and safe.” Iran has warned citizens to evacuate major ports in the United Arab Emirates and asserts the strait is open to all nations except the U.S. and its allies. Iran also claims to have evidence of U.S. bases in neighboring Arab countries being used for attacks, while its Revolutionary Guard responded to Trump’s call for allied naval forces with defiance.