Donald Trump has urged Britain and other allies to send warships to the Middle East to help secure the Strait of Hormuz — a sharp reversal days after claiming the conflict with Iran was effectively over. The US president appealed directly to foreign governments to join naval patrols protecting oil tankers in the strategic waterway. The plea came as Tehran threatened attacks on shipping routes that carry a large share of the world’s crude exports. The shift marks a stark change in tone from Trump’s earlier claim that American forces had already defeated Iran’s military. From victory lap to urgent call for help Less than a week ago, Trump mocked the idea of British reinforcements after reports that the UK might deploy the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. Posting on Truth Social, he said the United States no longer needed help and suggested the war had effectively been won. Now the president says allied navies are urgently needed to protect the narrow Gulf shipping lane as Iran threatens drones, mines and missile attacks on passing vessels. “Many countries… will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States,” Trump wrote, urging partners including United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea and China to join the effort. Global oil lifeline under threat The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling roughly a fifth of global oil shipments. Even minor disruption can send shockwaves through energy markets and trigger price spikes worldwide. Iranian forces have repeatedly warned they could close or disrupt the passage in retaliation for Western attacks. Trump insisted the United States had already destroyed “100% of Iran’s military capability” but conceded Tehran could still launch small-scale attacks capable of paralysing the route. Escalation risks widening the conflict The president signalled the US would continue striking Iranian targets along the coastline and attacking naval vessels if necessary. Analysts warn that an expanded naval confrontation could drag more countries into the crisis and heighten the risk of miscalculation in the crowded waters of the Gulf. With global trade and energy supplies on the line, the pressure on Western allies to decide whether to join the mission is now intensifying. Donald Trump begs other countries including UK to help defend oil tankers in humiliating U-turn
