Trump urges US allies to begin operations in Strait of Hormuz after conflict

Washington (ANTARA) - US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (18/3) indicated that American allies would only intervene to ensure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once America has “finished” Iran. “I wonder what would happen if we finish off what’s left of Iran and let the countries that use it, not us, be responsible for what’s called the ‘Strait’? That would make some of our unresponsive allies move and act immediately,” Trump said on Truth Social. On 28 February, the US and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities across the Middle East. In early March, Trump urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and other countries to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz. Germany and France rejected the request. Meanwhile, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that EU countries are not ready to send a fleet to the Strait of Hormuz.