U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he has talked with at least seven countries about sending warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the U.S. has helped Europe extensively and said he will remember those who do not assist.
Foreign news agencies reported that while aboard Air Force One returning to Washington, D.C., on the night of Sunday, 15 Mar 2026 GMT+7, President Donald Trump said he had discussed with “about seven countries” the deployment of forces to “patrol” the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump stated that China is among those countries, emphasizing that China heavily depends on oil transport through that sea route. Although he declined to name other countries he contacted, he referenced NATO allies and other nations he believes need to “protect their own interests.”
Earlier, Trump told the Financial Times that it is “very appropriate” for multiple nations benefiting from the Strait of Hormuz to be involved in efforts to reopen the route.
He also warned that if other countries do not respond, it could have very negative consequences for NATO’s future, adding that the U.S. has been “very generous” with its European allies so far.
Donald Trump said, “We don’t have to help them with Ukraine because Ukraine is thousands of miles away from us... but we have helped. Now we will see if they will help us. I have said for a long time that we will always stand by them, but they will not stand by us, and I’m not sure if they will really come to help.”
Trump reiterated that he “will remember” if any country refuses to provide assistance.
This statement came just one day after he called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to send warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed again. So far, no country has responded to this request.
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Source:bbc