U.S. President Donald Trump called on other countries to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open for oil tankers. He warned that blocking the waterway could hurt the global economy.
Strait of Hormuz
Trump made the remarks as fighting in the Middle East intensifies. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic sea passage between Iran and Oman. About one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through it. If the strait closes, energy prices could surge. That would hit the global economy.
Trump urged allies in NATO to join an operation to secure shipping in the area. He said countries that receive oil through this route should help keep it open.
“We get nothing from the strait. The countries that receive the oil are the ones that must participate. The strait must remain open all the way,” Trump said.
In an interview with the Financial Times, the U.S. president warned that refusing to support Washington could have serious consequences for the alliance. Trump also reminded allies that the United States has supported them in many conflicts, including backing Ukraine. He said Washington expects similar support in the confrontation with Iran. The US president called on China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to join efforts to secure the route.
Trump also warned he may postpone a meeting with Xi Jinping scheduled for late March if Beijing does not help ensure free navigation in the strait. He stressed that China and Europe rely heavily on oil from the Persian Gulf.
Trump backs Mark Levin
Trump also defended American conservative commentator Mark Levin. He called him “a great patriot” and criticized his opponents. Trump wrote about it on the social network Truth Social.
“Mark Levin, a truly Great American Patriot, is somewhat under siege by other people with far less Intellect, Capability, and Love for our Country,” Trump wrote.
The president also described Levin as a “tough, strong, and brilliant” commentator. He noted that TV host Sean Hannity once gave Levin the nickname “The Great One.” Trump said Levin is a “true conservative and intellectual.” According to him, critics attack Levin out of jealousy. Trump added that Levin seeks only “greatness and success for America.”
Statements about Iran
In the same post, Trump also addressed U.S. policy toward Iran. He said the MAGA movement – short for “Make America Great Again” – opposes Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
“MAGA includes not allowing Iran, a sick, demented, and violent terrorist regime, to have a nuclear weapon to blow up the United States of America, the Middle East, and ultimately the rest of the world,” Trump wrote.
He added that the United States aims to stop Iran’s nuclear program in order to achieve “peace through strength.”
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Donald Trump accused Iran of spreading fake information. According to him, Tehran uses artificial intelligence to create disinformation about alleged attacks on U.S. ships and military equipment.
