Donald Trump said Monday the United States could assist other countries, including China, in maintaining Hormuz oil security as tensions with Iran threaten one of the world’s most important energy routes. The president emphasized that ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz benefits global markets and major energy-importing nations.
Trump made the remarks while discussing the impact of ongoing military operations and regional instability on global energy flows. The strategic waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and serves as a vital route for international oil shipments. Analysts estimate that roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports travel through the strait each day.
The president argued that maintaining Hormuz oil security matters more for energy-importing economies than for the United States. According to Trump, America currently produces abundant oil and gas supplies domestically. As a result, he said disruptions would affect countries dependent on imported energy far more significantly.
Trump specifically highlighted China’s heavy reliance on shipments passing through the narrow maritime corridor. Chinese refineries import large volumes of crude oil transported from Middle Eastern producers through the route. Because of that dependence, Trump said the United States is effectively helping China and other economies by keeping the passage open.
“We’re really helping China here and other countries because they get a lot of their energy from the straits,” Trump told reporters. He also noted that Washington maintains a positive relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump added that cooperation on maintaining Hormuz oil security could benefit both countries during the current crisis.
The remarks come as the military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury continues to affect regional shipping routes. Increased military activity and threats against vessels have raised concerns among tanker operators and global energy markets. Some shipping companies have already slowed or rerouted voyages due to security risks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the world. Energy exporters from Gulf countries depend on the corridor to deliver crude oil and liquefied natural gas to Asia and Europe. Any disruption to Hormuz oil security could quickly trigger price spikes and supply shortages worldwide.
In recent days, Trump has also warned Iran that blocking the waterway would bring a powerful U.S. response. He said Washington would respond much more forcefully if Iran interferes with energy shipments moving through the strait.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials continue exploring measures designed to protect maritime trade in the region. Those options include naval escorts for commercial tankers traveling through the narrow corridor. Analysts say such measures aim to restore confidence among shipping companies while stabilizing global energy markets.
