05 June,2026 12:51 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump. Pic/AFP
US President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States is capable of safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz without military assistance from its European allies, while linking the future security of the strategic waterway to ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Speaking during an extended interaction with reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump discussed regional security, maritime navigation and diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
Responding to a question on whether Washington still wanted support from European allies to protect shipping routes in the region, Trump said the United States possesses sufficient military capability to handle the situation independently.
The US President described the US military as the most powerful in the world and maintained that additional assistance was not necessary. According to Trump, Washington had offered allied nations an opportunity to participate in efforts related to maritime security, but several countries chose not to become involved.
He suggested that the decision could have economic implications for nations that depend heavily on energy supplies transported through the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime passages, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
A substantial share of globally traded crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the narrow waterway every day. Any disruption to shipping in the strait can affect global energy prices, international trade and energy security for countries across Asia, Europe and other regions.
Because of its strategic importance, developments in the Strait of Hormuz are closely monitored by governments, energy markets and shipping companies worldwide.
During the interaction, Trump also connected the future stability of the Strait of Hormuz to ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran.
He reiterated that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains the primary objective of the negotiations. According to the US President, the proposed agreement under discussion would help ensure stability in the region and facilitate the reopening of the key maritime corridor.
Trump has repeatedly stated that any future deal with Iran must contain provisions permanently preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons.
The US President also said the United States has already undertaken measures to strengthen security in the region. He claimed that American forces had conducted extensive operations aimed at identifying and addressing potential maritime threats.
According to Trump, the US military has deployed advanced minesweeping capabilities in the area as part of broader efforts to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels.
While he did not provide specific operational details, the remarks reflected Washington's continued focus on maintaining freedom of navigation in one of the world's busiest energy transit routes.
Trump argued that while the United States has substantial domestic energy resources, many other countries remain heavily dependent on oil and natural gas shipments passing through the Gulf.
Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant consequences for global energy markets, particularly for nations that rely on imported fuel supplies. The waterway plays a vital role in connecting major energy-producing countries in the Middle East with international consumers.
The US President's comments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and growing international attention on regional security issues. Negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, combined with concerns about maritime stability, continue to influence geopolitical calculations across the Middle East.
(With inputs from IANS)
