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Donald Trump has publicly urged the United Kingdom and a coalition of global partners to dispatch naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that this vital maritime artery must be safeguarded as friction with Iran intensifies.

In a statement released on Truth Social, the former president called for nations including China, Japan, France, South Korea, and Britain to intervene. He argued that these countries, all heavily reliant on the transit route, should mobilise their navies to neutralise the risk posed by an Iranian regime he described as having been fundamentally dismantled.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global crude oil bottleneck, with roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil supply—approximately 20 million barrels—being navigated through its waters. The region has become increasingly volatile following a series of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites two weeks ago; the operation reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the aftermath, Iranian-linked forces have targeted merchant vessels, prompting shipping insurers to halt coverage for the area. This de facto blockade has paralysed transit, triggering a spike in oil prices and sparking fears of a potential energy crisis.

While Prime Minister Keir Starmer opted out of the initial military engagement against Iran, favouring a diplomatic resolution, the resulting economic instability is forcing a difficult re-assessment in London. The closure of the strait poses a severe threat to Britain’s energy security and commercial interests, leaving the government under mounting pressure to respond to Trump’s proposal.

Although the Royal Navy is usually already active in the Persian Gulf with a focus on maritime security and minesweeping, it is uncertain if the UK is prepared to adopt a more assertive combat role to escort commercial ships. As turmoil roils global markets, the international community faces a pressing dilemma: whether to coordinate a naval response to break the blockade or continue seeking a path through diplomacy.