Trump Says Several Countries Will Send Warships to Help Secure Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced Monday that several nations are preparing to send warships to join the United States Navy in escorting commercial vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, even as some NATO allies hesitate to support the mission.

Speaking at a luncheon at the Trump–Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Trump said multiple countries have already begun moving naval assets toward the region to assist in safeguarding global shipping routes.

“Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way,” Trump said. “Some are very enthusiastic about it.”

The U.S.-led effort comes as tensions with Iran have disrupted tanker traffic in the narrow waterway, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most important energy corridors on the planet.

Despite growing international concern over energy supplies, several Western allies have been reluctant to commit military support.

Officials in Germany and other European countries signaled they have no immediate plans to deploy ships, arguing the crisis should not automatically become a NATO military mission.

The United Kingdom has also declined a request from Trump to send two aircraft carriers to the region, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer instead signaling interest in limited support measures such as mine-hunting drones rather than full naval deployments.

Other countries, including Japan, have said they are still evaluating the situation and are unlikely to participate militarily at this time.

Trump has made clear that he expects nations that rely heavily on Middle Eastern oil to help secure the shipping lanes.

The president previously said he asked about seven countries to participate in a naval coalition aimed at reopening the strait and protecting merchant vessels from Iranian attacks.

While some NATO partners remain cautious, Trump praised French President Emmanuel Macron for cooperating with the U.S. effort.

France has deployed naval assets to the eastern Mediterranean, a move that has helped the United States reposition aircraft carrier strike groups closer to the Strait of Hormuz to focus on protecting tanker traffic.

The French contribution, Trump said, allowed U.S. forces to strengthen their naval posture near the Persian Gulf as tensions escalate.

Even as he calls on allies to participate, Trump emphasized that the United States is fully capable of securing the vital maritime route on its own.

“We don’t need anybody,” Trump said. “We’re the strongest nation in the world. We have the strongest military by far.”

Still, the president indicated that the coalition effort is also a test of international resolve — revealing which countries are willing to stand with the United States when global security and economic stability are threatened.

With oil prices surging and the global economy watching closely, the coming days may determine whether Western allies unite behind Washington’s effort — or whether America will once again shoulder the burden of defending the world’s most critical trade routes.