Trump's Call Unheeded: No Nations Yet Deploy Warships to Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump has requested at least seven countries to immediately deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to secure global energy shipping lanes. However, as of Monday 16 March 2026, this call has received no official response from any nation.
This step was taken amid an escalation of conflict with Iran that has triggered a surge in global oil prices. Trump contends that countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil should bear greater responsibility.
“I am asking these nations to help protect their own territories because it is in their interest,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
Trump added that the United States itself is not particularly dependent on this route owing to domestic energy sources. He cited China as an example, noting it obtains approximately 90 per cent of its oil requirements through the Strait of Hormuz, whilst the US receives only a small supply from this route.
Nevertheless, Trump did not respond regarding the possibility of China’s involvement in the proposed coalition.
“It would be better if other nations help guard that area with us, and we are ready to assist and cooperate,” he said.
Previously, Trump was known to have contacted several countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to request support.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS that Tehran has received requests from several nations seeking security guarantees for their vessels, with the final decision resting with Iran’s military.
He stated that some foreign vessels have been permitted passage, but did not specify their countries of origin.
Iran has affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all nations, except the US and its allies.
Araghchi further emphasised that Iran sees no reason for dialogue with the US to end the ongoing conflict. According to him, the war was triggered by a coordinated attack by the US and Israel on 28 February, when indirect talks concerning Iran’s nuclear programme were still ongoing.
He also noted that Tehran does not plan to retrieve enriched uranium that has been processed and is now buried under rubble from the previous US and Israeli attack.