Trump warns countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with members of the media before boarding Air Force One for travel to Florida, at U.S. Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, March 13, 2026.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that other countries should help the US secure the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the key shipping route benefits them more than Washington.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said that countries such as China, which are more dependent on oil shipments passing through the Bosphorus, should contribute to its security.
“I demand that these countries come and protect their own land, because this is their land. This is where they get their energy from. They should come and help us protect this,” Trump said.
“Why are we protecting the Strait of Hormuz when it actually exists for China and many other countries? Why don’t they?”
Trump claimed that about 90 percent of China’s crude imports pass through the strait, while the United States only passes through the strait for “1 percent, 2 percent” of its oil. But analysts say Beijing has spent the past two decades diversifying its energy supply and building strategic reserves to mitigate potential disruptions.
Oil prices hovered around $100 per barrel on Monday, with US West Texas Intermediate futures trading at $99.32 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent traded at $104.84.
Edward Fishman, director of the Council on Foreign Relations, said the Trump administration did not consult its allies in Europe or Asia before taking military action against Iran.
Speaking to CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” program, Fishman said these allies are much more dependent on oil imports from the Gulf than the United States, raising questions about whether they would expect concessions from Washington in return for aid.
“Remember, these countries, even though they are allies of the United States, were subjected to very high tariffs by the Trump administration last year,” Fishman said.
He added that if the situation were to turn, Trump would likely demand something in return for aid.
Trump’s latest comments were followed previous statements “Many countries, especially those affected by Iran’s attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, will send Warships together with the United States to keep the Strait open and safe,” he claimed on Truth Social on Saturday.
Whether we get support or not, I can say this, and I told them: we will remember.
Donald Trump
US President
No plans for now
Since the US and Israel attacked Iran last month, many commercial ships navigating the narrow strait have been damaged.
No country has publicly announced its plan to deploy warships to the Bosphorus. It is noteworthy that the US Navy also did not accompany the ships through the waterway.
Reuters reported Last week, the U.S. Navy reportedly rejected “almost daily” requests from the shipping industry to escort ships, citing three shipping industry sources familiar with the matter. The report stated that the risk of attack is very high for now.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi It is said that Australian transport minister Catherine King said on Monday there were no plans to send navy ships to escort ships in the Middle East. ABC in a radio interview Canberra will not send ships.
New Zealand finance minister Nicola Willis said in a statement to CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” program that the country had not received such a request.
Trump said Sunday that the United States had met with about seven countries but declined to name them. He also criticized the NATO alliance.
“We are always on NATO’s side. We are helping them with Ukraine. There is an ocean between us. It does not affect us, but we helped them. Also, it will be interesting to see which country will not help us with a very small effort like keeping the strait open.”
Trump also said Iran was defeated and had little firepower left. However, Iran’s attacks in the region continued. Drone and missile attacks were reported in Dubai and Israel on Monday Asian time.
Ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply, has virtually come to a halt.
Many European countries, including France and Britain, have discussed plans to allow commercial shipping to resume in the strait.
European Union expected Expansion of the Aspides mission will be discussed on Monday, but the talks are not expected to expand operations to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Aspides mission, established in 2024 to protect ships against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, is currently operating. three naval units under his command.
Trump said on Sunday that British Prime Minister Kier Starmer offered to deploy aircraft carriers to the region and that Trump said they “should be sent before we start a war.” [with Iran]”
“Whether we get support or not, I can say this, and I told them this: we will remember,” Trump said.
