Secure Strait

• President Trump heeft het U.S. Central Command opdracht gegeven om Project Freedom te initiëren, een defensieve operatie om de vrije stroom van handel door de Straat van Hormuz te herstellen te midden van Iraanse dreigingen tegen commerciële scheepvaart. • Secretary of War Pete Hegseth verduidelijkte dat de missie tijdelijk is en uitsluitend gericht op het beschermen van onschuldige schepen, wat het onderscheidt van Operation Epic Fury, waarbij Amerikaanse troepen een beschermde zone instellen zoals aangegeven op operationele kaarten. • De aankondiging volgt op de melding van President Trump aan het Congres op vrijdag dat de vijandelijkheden die op 28 februari begonnen waren, zijn beëindigd, wat samenvalt met de deadline van 60 dagen van de War Powers Resolution.

• President Trump told allied nations to "go get your own oil" and stated it is not America's responsibility to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, shifting burden of regional security to countries dependent on the waterway. • Trump reiterated the US military could conclude its Iranian operations within two to three weeks and said America will have no further involvement in Middle East strait security following withdrawal. • The statements reflect Trump's isolationist stance on Middle East commitments, placing responsibility for maintaining critical shipping routes on regional allies rather than continuing US military presence and protection.

• President Trump criticized NATO allies as "cowards" for declining to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran continues to block, causing global oil prices to surge. • Trump argued that European nations complain about high oil prices resulting from the blockade but refuse to contribute militarily to resolving the crisis. • The diplomatic rift reflects tensions within the Western alliance over burden-sharing in the Middle East conflict and control of critical global energy infrastructure.

• President Trump is attempting to garner international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway where oil transport has halted since the US and Israel began their war with Iran on day 17 of the conflict. • Trump claimed the US received "some positive response" from countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though Australia and Japan have stated they will not send warships; the UK said it is discussing options while China called for an immediate end to hostilities. • The blockade has caused oil prices to rise significantly, with the Strait of Hormuz responsible for transporting approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply; Trump warned NATO faces a "very bad" future if US allies fail to assist in reopening the shipping lane.

• President Trump demanded on March 15 that NATO and allied nations help secure the Strait of Hormuz with military vessels, warning that NATO could face a "very bad future" if allies refuse to assist in keeping the critical waterway open. • Trump warned that the US "will remember" countries that do not contribute to securing the strait, applying diplomatic pressure to allies amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East and warnings of potential sanctions waivers if the conflict prolongs. • The demand reflects Trump's strategy of leveraging the energy crisis and geopolitical instability created by the Iran conflict to mobilize international support for US-led efforts to maintain global shipping routes.

• President Trump issued a stark warning to NATO allies on March 16, stating they face a "very bad future" if they do not assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. • The warning came as the US and Israel work to secure the strategic waterway, which has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict with Iran. • Trump's ultimatum reflects growing pressure on international allies to support US-led efforts to restore normal shipping operations and stabilize global energy markets.