US President Donald Trump has warned that he may delay a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping if major oil-importing nations fail to help secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed amid the ongoing war in West Asia.
The warning comes as tensions escalate in the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, pushing global oil prices close to $100 a barrel and rattling energy markets worldwide.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil must take responsibility for protecting shipping through Hormuz.
“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory,” he said, stressing that many nations rely on the waterway for energy supplies.
Trump said he expects several countries to deploy warships to help reopen the strait, which carries about 20 percent of global oil shipments. In a social media post, he said nations such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom should join the effort.
Trump indicated that Beijing’s response could affect his diplomatic schedule. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said China should contribute to securing Hormuz as it imports a large share of its oil through the route.
“I would prefer to know China’s position before the visit,” Trump said, adding that the meeting with Xi expected later this month could be postponed.
The Trump administration is reportedly working on a multinational coalition to escort commercial vessels through the strait.
According to US officials, the operation could involve:
Minesweepers to clear naval mines
Military assets to counter drones and other threats
Naval escorts for oil tankers moving through the waterway
Trump said the US Navy could soon begin escorting tankers through the narrow passage.
The conflict has entered its third week, with Iran launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Gulf neighbours while US and Israeli forces continue strikes on Iranian targets.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected claims that Tehran is seeking negotiations, saying the country is prepared to defend itself “for as long as it takes”.
Meanwhile, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the conflict could end within weeks, predicting that oil supplies would stabilise and prices would fall once hostilities subside.