Iran-U.S. War Escalates: Strait of Hormuz Shipping Under Threat

Global energy markets are on edge as the Iran-U.S. conflict enters its third week, with President Donald Trump calling on allied nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz after American forces bombed Kharg Island — the Iranian oil hub responsible for handling 90% of the country's petroleum exports.

Trump took to social media urging countries that rely on oil shipments through the strait to take responsibility for protecting the passage, naming China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain among those he hoped would contribute naval vessels. "The U.S. will also coordinate with those countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well," he stated. Washington also signaled its intention to aggressively patrol and strike along the Iranian coastline to keep the critical waterway open.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of the world's oil supply, making it one of the most strategically vital chokepoints on the planet. Iran's Supreme Leader has publicly called for the strait to remain closed, a move that could send global oil prices soaring even higher than the record disruptions already caused since hostilities began on February 28.

The conflict has already claimed more than 2,000 lives, predominantly in Iran, while drone attacks have rattled UAE energy infrastructure — including operations at Fujairah port, a major global refueling hub. Iran launched nine ballistic missiles and dozens of drones toward the UAE on Saturday, warning civilians to evacuate areas near major ports and accusing the Emirates of hosting American military operations.

Tehran is also threatening to target U.S.-linked companies operating across the Gulf region. Meanwhile, Gulf Arab nations, increasingly caught in the crossfire of a war they never sought, are growing visibly frustrated as the economic and military costs continue to mount.