Trump Calls on Seven Countries to Join Hormuz Escort Coalition

On March 15 (local time), President Donald Trump of the United States called on seven countries to join in escorting oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that some countries have responded positively.

Speaking to reporters aboard his private plane as he returned to Washington, D.C. from his private residence in Florida, President Trump said that he had asked seven countries to participate in forming a coalition to escort oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under blockade by Iran, and to prepare for possible Iranian attacks.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The previous day, President Trump had announced on his social networking service, Truth Social, that he had requested the dispatch of naval vessels from five countries: South Korea, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and France. This marks an increase of two additional countries from that initial request.

When asked which countries would participate, President Trump declined to give a specific answer, saying, "I cannot say. Some countries have responded positively, while others are reluctant to get involved." He further pressured the seven countries by stating, "I conveyed this to them as well, and we will remember their decision regarding participation." He emphasized that since the Strait of Hormuz is a critical location for these countries to secure energy resources, they should take action to protect it, and that "operations will begin immediately" as soon as the coalition forces are formed.

Regarding the potential participation of China—which President Trump had asked to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz the previous day—he said, "I cannot say. It is too early," adding, "They may or may not participate." He noted that China imports 90% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, calling their decision "an interesting case to study."

Following President Trump's remarks about forming a coalition to escort vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, senior officials in the Trump administration are reportedly communicating with the relevant countries. The U.S. online media outlet Axios, citing sources, reported that an announcement on this matter is expected later this week.

Meanwhile, when asked whether there was any diplomatic dialogue between the United States and Iran, President Trump replied, "We are talking to them," but added, "However, I do not think they are ready." When asked if he was prepared to declare victory in a war with Iran, he answered, "No, there is no reason for that. I would simply say that they have been decimated," adding, "Even if we withdraw immediately, it would take more than 10 years for them to rebuild, but I still would not declare victory."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.