Trump has made a critical request.
President Donald Trump is calling on America’s allies to help protect one of the world’s most critical energy lifelines as tensions with Iran continue to threaten global oil supplies.
In a message posted Saturday on Truth Social, Trump urged countries that rely on Middle Eastern oil shipments to join forces with the United States to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure — a move aimed at stabilizing energy markets and protecting global trade.
“The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both militarily and economically,” Trump wrote. “But the countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must help take care of that passage — and we will help, a lot!”
Trump added that the United States is prepared to work closely with allied nations to coordinate security efforts and keep the strategic waterway functioning smoothly.
“The U.S. will coordinate with those countries so everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well,” the president continued. “This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be.”
The president also expressed hope that a united international effort would strengthen global stability and security.
Iran Signals Restrictions in Critical Oil Route
Trump’s comments came shortly after Iran signaled it may attempt to limit who can use the vital shipping corridor.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to most nations — but warned that vessels tied to the United States and Israel could be blocked.
“It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies,” Araghchi said during an interview Saturday. “Others are free to pass.”
The statement is widely viewed as an attempt by Tehran to rally international support following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets connected to the Kharg Island oil facility, a key hub for the country’s petroleum exports.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important energy corridors in the world. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes and serves as a critical passageway for oil and natural gas shipments.
Experts estimate that roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait each day, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
Since the conflict began on February 28, tensions in the region have escalated dramatically. Iranian forces have reportedly targeted oil tankers and merchant vessels traveling through the Gulf.
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency, at least 16 ships have been attacked in or near the Strait since the conflict began.
These attacks have caused significant concern among shipping companies and energy traders, slowing traffic through the waterway and threatening to disrupt global oil and gas deliveries.
Analysts warn that if the situation worsens, as much as 27 percent of the world’s maritime oil and natural gas shipments could be affected.
Allied Naval Forces Could Patrol the Strait
Earlier Saturday, President Trump indicated that several countries may soon deploy naval forces to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect international shipping.
The president suggested that a coordinated international naval presence could help deter Iranian attacks and ensure safe passage for oil tankers moving through the region.
Trump has also warned that the United States could target Iran’s oil infrastructure on Kharg Island if Tehran continues to threaten commercial vessels traveling through the strategic waterway.
Despite rising tensions, some ships have successfully navigated the Strait. Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas crossed the waterway Saturday morning without incident.
Still, energy markets remain on edge as the situation continues to unfold.
Rising Gas Prices Impact American Drivers
The conflict has already begun affecting Americans at the gas pump.
According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average price for gasoline climbed to $3.68 per gallon on Saturday, reflecting an increase of roughly 70 cents since the conflict began.
Just days before the first military strikes, the national average price of regular gasoline was $2.98 per gallon.
Energy analysts say tensions in the Strait of Hormuz often lead to rapid price increases because traders fear potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
Trump Orders Historic Oil Reserve Release
To help stabilize energy markets and ease pressure on American consumers, President Trump ordered the release of 172 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve earlier this week.
The move represents the largest emergency release of oil reserves in U.S. history.
Officials say the goal is to increase supply in global markets and prevent the type of extreme fuel price spikes Americans experienced in previous years.
For now, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, but the administration says working with international allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz will be critical to protecting both global energy supplies and American consumers.
