Trump Threatens More Attacks on Houthis; Allies Give Cold Shoulder to Hormuz Escort Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump once again called on countries to help maintain the security of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that although war continues to disrupt the oil market and global shipping, the Iranian regime is nearly destroyed.

On Monday, at an event at the White House, Trump told reporters, “Many countries have told me they are on their way. Some are very eager, others not so much. Some of these are countries we have helped for many, many years.”

Trump expressed dissatisfaction with allies and some other nations because, so far, they have not publicly committed to his calls for escort assistance. Since the start of the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed, severely impacting the global energy supply chain. Trump criticized NATO and other organizations, claiming they rely on the U.S. for protection worth “hundreds of billions of dollars,” yet remain passive when asked to act.

U.S. President Donald Trump

At 1:04 p.m. New York time, U.S. crude oil prices fell about 3%, approaching $95 per barrel, amid signs that strategic emergency reserves promised by various countries over the coming weeks will gradually reach the market. Brent crude oil dropped 1%, trading near $102 per barrel, after briefly falling below $100.

Trump stated on Monday, “We are striking Iran’s ability to disrupt commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with over 30 minesweepers destroyed.” He added that U.S. officials are unsure whether Iran has actually laid mines in the strait, but if Tehran has, it would be “suicide.”

He claimed over 7,000 targets have been hit, and Iran’s “air defense systems have collapsed, radars are gone, and leadership has vanished.”

He threatened to further target Iran’s main oil export hub, Hormuz Island, focusing on oil infrastructure.

“We can give the order in five minutes. Everything will be over,” Trump said Monday.

As the war enters its 17th day, Iran has launched a new round of strikes on targets across the Persian Gulf, including an attack on a key oil center in the UAE. Meanwhile, U.S. allies have shown a lukewarm response to Trump’s calls for assistance in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.

After a drone attack on Monday, the UAE’s Fujairah oil export terminal temporarily halted loading operations, marking the second attack in two days. Dubai temporarily suspended major airport flights and said some flights departing from the UAE would be canceled due to fires caused by Iranian drones igniting fuel tanks.

Iran continues to launch retaliatory missiles, and Israel has carried out additional airstrikes on Tehran’s infrastructure.

Since the conflict began, rising oil prices have put upward pressure on gas prices at U.S. gas stations. According to AAA, the average price per gallon has increased daily since the conflict started.

Trump urged major world powers like France, the UK, Japan, and China to help by deploying warships to escort commercial vessels and assist the U.S. in reopening the strait.

He said, “We strongly encourage other countries to join us quickly and enthusiastically. Secretary of State Rubio will announce countries willing to assist the U.S., some of which will be quite local.”

Responses from European and Asian allies have ranged from cautious to indifferent, with some outright refusing. European officials have begun discussing whether to redeploy naval forces currently operating in the Red Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, but this requires unanimous approval from member states, and countries like Germany may oppose the move. Key U.S. partners in Asia, including Japan and South Korea, have not committed to deploying ships.

“We must not take any action that increases tensions or escalates the situation,” said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in Brussels. “What we need is to stop all bombing and missile launches against Middle Eastern countries and return to the negotiating table.”

In Japan, officials have stated there are no plans to send ships to escort stranded oil tankers. The UK has also not committed to a full naval deployment, although Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he would discuss options with allies.

Over the weekend, Trump said Iran is ready to reach an agreement to end the war, but the U.S. wants better terms, including Tehran’s commitment to abandon nuclear activities.

On Monday, Trump emphasized the uncertainty of negotiations, including who in the Iranian government might come forward to end the war.

“We don’t know who their leaders are. Some want to come to the negotiating table, but we have no idea who they are,” he said.

Trump also said it’s currently unclear whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mullah Khamenei, is alive or dead.

“Many say he looks unrecognizable. They say he lost a leg and is badly injured. Some say he’s already dead,” Trump stated.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif denied seeking negotiations or a ceasefire with the U.S.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

“We say we don’t want a ceasefire, not because we seek war, but because this war must end in a way that makes our enemies never dare to launch such attacks again,” Zarif said at a Monday press briefing. “I believe they have learned a painful lesson and understand what kind of nation they are dealing with.”

White House National Economic Council Chairman Kevin Hassett said, according to Pentagon estimates, this war (which U.S. officials say cost $11.3 billion in just the first six days) will last four to six weeks. Hassett was among several government officials on Sunday urging the American public to be patient amid rising fuel prices.

According to government and NGO statistics, nearly 4,000 people have died in the region due to the conflict. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that over 3,000 Iranians have died in the past two weeks. Lebanon reports 85 deaths since Israel began attacking Hezbollah militants. Several dozen deaths have occurred across the Persian Gulf and in Israel, and 13 U.S. soldiers have been killed.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, since the start of the war, 16 incidents of attacks on ships have been reported in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas.