U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said several countries are prepared to assist efforts to restore shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while claiming that Washington does not necessarily need outside support.
Speaking ahead of a lunch event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Trump repeated his call for international partners to help reopen the strategic waterway after disruptions to maritime traffic.
The president said some countries had already agreed to participate in a potential naval escort mission while others appeared less enthusiastic.
“I’d rather not say yet,” Trump said when asked which nations had agreed to join the effort, adding that “we have some that are really enthusiastic,” noting that some partners were already on their way to assist.
At the same time, Trump emphasized that the United States could secure the route on its own if necessary.
