US envoy says international escort plan under discussion for Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON, DC: The United States is urging international allies to help escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate with Iran, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on Sunday, March 15.
Speaking to Jake Tapper on the CNN State of the Union, Waltz said Washington is pressing partners to contribute naval support to keep one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes open.
“President Donald Trump is calling upon the world, saying the entire world is affected,” Waltz said. “Iran can’t hold your economies hostage, and we certainly welcome, encourage and even demand their participation to help their own economies,” he added.
Strait of Hormuz closed amid escalating conflict
The strategic Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes in Iran late last month.
In recent days, the Trump administration has signaled it wants allies to participate in naval escort operations to protect shipping traffic through the narrow waterway, a route that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Waltz said discussions with partner nations about possible escorts are still ongoing.
Trump says allies may deploy warships
Trump said on Saturday that several countries are expected to dispatch naval vessels to patrol the route.
He listed China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom among nations that could send warships to the region.
The White House has not confirmed whether Washington has formally demanded assistance from allies as part of the effort.
Iran defies calls to reopen shipping route
Iran’s leadership has rejected international pressure to reopen the waterway.
Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed, despite concerns from global markets over disruptions to oil supplies.
The closure has raised fears of a prolonged shock to global energy markets and international trade.
US Navy yet to begin escorts in Strait of Hormuz
According to the White House, the United States Navy has not yet begun escorting tankers through the strait.
However, Chris Wright said last week that the United States is expected to begin escort operations before the end of the month.
Such missions could be both costly and dangerous, potentially exposing American naval forces to Iranian missile and drone attacks.
“The US military will continue to pound the Iranian military and their missile boat and drone forces to keep the straits open,” Wright said.
