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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday several countries may send warships alongside the United States to keep the Strait of Hormuz open amid tensions over Iran’s actions in the strategic waterway.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said countries affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Strait of Hormuz could send naval forces to help keep the waterway open and safe.
"Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending war ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe," Trump wrote.
He said China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom were among the countries that could send ships to the area.
Trump also said the United States would continue military actions in the region.
"In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water," he wrote.
He added that the goal was to make the Strait of Hormuz "open, safe, and free."
Britain said it was considering options after Trump’s comments about allied naval deployments.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said the United Kingdom was discussing measures with allies and partners to ensure the security of shipping in the region.
"As we've said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region," the spokesperson said.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to ships belonging to Iran’s enemies and their allies, according to Iranian state media.
Araghchi also warned that Iran would target facilities of U.S. companies in the region if Iranian energy infrastructure is attacked.
He said Iran would act cautiously in its response and avoid targeting populated areas.
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