Trump: Will join forces with multiple countries to send warships to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.

According to a report from CCTV News, US President Trump said on Saturday local time that many countries will send warships to ensure the smooth navigation of the Strait of Hormuz along with the United States. However, he did not specify which countries have decided to participate. Trump wrote on his social platform Truth Social, "Many countries, especially those affected by Iran's attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, will send warships together with the United States to ensure that the strait remains open and safe." He said he hopes that countries like France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others could send ships to the region. He also wrote, "Meanwhile, the United States will conduct intense bombing in the relevant coastal areas and continuously sink Iran's boats and warships." Trump claimed that the United States will soon reopen and ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Amid ongoing tensions with Iran, Western countries are strengthening their military deployments in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with a focus on Cyprus. Earlier on March 2, a British military base on the island was hit by an Iranian-made drone. The UK is also exploring options to increase military deployments in the Gulf region. UK Defense Minister John Healey said on Thursday that following increased attacks on ships by Iran, the UK is evaluating more deployment options. A UK Defense Ministry spokesperson said on Saturday that the government is discussing "multiple options with allies and partners to ensure the security of shipping in the region." At the same time, the French Navy plans to deploy around a dozen warships to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and possibly the Strait of Hormuz, including an aircraft carrier strike group to provide defense support to allies threatened by conflicts. French officials stated that France has been consulting with European, Asian, and Gulf Arab countries over the past week to develop a plan for multinational warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also stated on Thursday that amid the rise in oil prices due to the US-Iran conflict, the US government is looking for ways to mitigate the increase, and the US is willing to escort merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent them from being attacked by Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister responds only to US closure of the Strait of Hormuz In response to Trump's latest statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi responded that the Strait of Hormuz is still open, only closed to US and Israeli ships and tankers. He also stated that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has spoken and is fulfilling his duties, and this round of conflict was not initiated by Iran. Iran will continue to defend and respond if necessary. Aragchi pointed out that the touted US "security umbrella" is currently full of holes, failing to deter and instead provoking more trouble. He said Iran calls on neighboring countries to expel foreign invaders. "These external forces only care about Israel." After the US bombed its main energy hub on Khark Island, Iran threatened to further escalate Middle East conflicts on Saturday, saying that any facilities in the region related to the US will be targeted. Trump previously threatened to strike the energy infrastructure on Khark Island unless Iran stops attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He said on Friday that the US military has "completely destroyed" military targets in the area. Aragchi warned that if Iran's energy facilities are attacked, Iran will retaliate and warned of strikes against American companies in the region or companies with US holdings.