WASHINGTON D.C. — US President Donald Trump has announced a major military initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. In a statement on Truth Social on Saturday, March 14, 2026, the President asserted that the United States, alongside an international coalition, will deploy warships to ensure the “free and safe passage” of global shipping. He specifically called upon nations like China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK—whose economies are heavily dependent on the waterway—to join the mission and send their own naval vessels to secure the area against Iranian threats.
The President’s move follows a massive US precision strike on Kharg Island, which handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports. While Trump stated that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) “totally obliterated” over 90 military targets, including naval mine storage and missile bunkers, he noted that he chose to spare the oil production infrastructure “for reasons of decency.” However, he issued a stern warning that these energy facilities would be the next target if Iran or its proxies continue to interfere with the safe passage of ships through the Strait.
This escalation comes as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to use the closure of the Strait as a “lever” to exert pressure on Washington. The conflict, now entering its third week, has already caused global oil prices to surge by over 40%, with some experts warning that costs could hit $150 per barrel. To counter the blockade, the US has already ordered the USS Tripoli and an additional 2,500 Marines to the region, with Trump promising that the US Navy will begin escorting commercial tankers “very soon.”
