U.S. President Donald Trump said he has asked about seven countries to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open as Iranian strikes continued across Gulf countries on Monday.

Trump said Washington is negotiating with countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude to join a coalition to patrol the strategic waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil normally passes, but he did not name the countries.

American efforts to protect Strait of Hormuz continue, US military commander says

The head of U.S. Central Command, Brad Cooper, said American forces are targeting Iran’s threats to ships carrying oil and natural gas through the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.

In a video posted on X on Monday, he said the U.S. will continue efforts to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten navigation in the key waterway.

Trump urges global support to keep Strait of Hormuz open

Italy signals reluctance to Trump’s call to help open Strait of Hormuz

 Italy has responded cautiously to Donald Trump’s call for allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, told reporters in Brussels on Monday that Rome supports strengthening EU naval missions in the Red Sea but said they cannot be extended to the Strait of Hormuz, as the missions are mainly defensive and anti-piracy operations.

Starmer says UK seeks ‘viable’ plan to open Strait of Hormuz

Keir Starmer, Britain’s Prime Minister, said the UK is working with allies on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but “will not be drawn into the wider war.”

Speaking after Donald Trump called on allies to send warships, Starmer said Britain is exploring the use of mine-hunting drones in the region but is unlikely to deploy a warship.

Iran thanks Pakistan for ‘solidarity’ amid US-Israel attacks

Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed only to US, Israel and their allies

Iran’s top diplomat says the key Strait of Hormuz is only cut off for vessels of the United States, Israel and their allies.

German minister says US-Israeli aims need clarity

 Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, said Monday that the U.S. and Israel must clarify when their military objectives are achieved.

Speaking before an EU meeting in Brussels, he warned that Iran poses a serious threat to regional security, shipping, and the global economy, and said he would support sanctions against those blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

China has no comment on Trump’s Strait of Hormuz request

 A Chinese government spokesperson did not directly answer questions about Donald Trump’s request for military support from several countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

At a daily briefing in Beijing, Lin Jian of the Foreign Ministry reiterated China’s call to end the fighting, highlighting its impact on energy and trade.