Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 5: US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States is fully capable of ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz without assistance from its European allies, while expressing confidence that the critical maritime corridor will remain open and safe for global shipping.
Speaking during an extensive interaction with reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump addressed questions on Iran, regional security, and the future of energy transportation through the strategically important waterway.
When asked whether Washington was still seeking military support from European partners to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, Trump rejected the need for outside assistance.
According to the President, the United States possesses unmatched military capabilities and is well-equipped to handle security challenges in the region independently.
Trump revealed that the US had previously invited NATO members and other allies to contribute to maritime security efforts but claimed that those requests were not taken up.
He suggested that countries declining to participate could eventually face economic consequences, particularly those heavily reliant on energy imports passing through the Gulf region.
Emphasising America's energy self-sufficiency, Trump noted that the US has abundant oil and energy resources of its own. In contrast, he argued that several European and Asian nations remain heavily dependent on uninterrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz for their energy needs.
The President also connected the future stability of the waterway to ongoing diplomatic engagement with Iran. Reiterating Washington’s primary objective, Trump said any agreement with Tehran must ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, adding that the strait would be reopened immediately under such circumstances.
Addressing maritime security concerns, Trump stated that US forces had already undertaken extensive measures to reduce threats in the area. He claimed that American naval capabilities, including advanced mine-clearing technology, had been deployed to strengthen the safety of commercial shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy transit corridors. Linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, the narrow passage handles a substantial share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making its security a matter of significant international concern.