MiddleEast – Trump Says Gulf Nations Should Share Strait of Hormuz Security Costs
MiddleEast – President Donald Trump said the United States should be compensated by Gulf countries for protecting shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Washington has played a central role in maintaining security along one of the world’s most important maritime passages.
The remarks came during an interaction with reporters at the Oval Office on Monday (local time), where Trump said nations in the Gulf region benefit directly from the safe movement of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. According to him, the financial responsibility for ensuring secure navigation should not rest solely with the United States, given the international importance of the route for global trade and energy supplies.
Trump Defends US Military Operations
In a separate interview with Newsmax, Trump defended recent US military actions against Iran and claimed they had significantly weakened the country’s armed forces. He said the operations had reduced Tehran’s military strength across several key areas, including its naval, air and defence capabilities.
Trump maintained that the campaign had caused extensive damage to Iran’s military infrastructure. Referring to the country’s naval fleet, he claimed that many of its vessels had been destroyed and suggested that Iran’s maritime power had been substantially diminished. He added that while some capabilities remain, they are far below previous levels.
Claims on Air Force and Defence Systems
The US President also asserted that Iran had suffered major losses in its air force and defensive systems. He claimed that a large number of military aircraft had been eliminated and said radar installations, anti-aircraft systems and weapons production facilities had also been severely affected.
According to Trump, much of Iran’s defence manufacturing capacity has been disrupted, reducing its ability to rebuild military assets in the near future. However, he did not provide independent evidence to support these figures during his remarks.
Iran Described as Significantly Weakened
Speaking about the broader impact of the military campaign, Trump argued that Iran is no longer in the same strategic position it occupied only a few months ago. He said the country has experienced a dramatic decline in military strength, describing the change as one of the most significant shifts in recent years.
Trump stated that although Iran still possesses a limited number of missiles and retains some military capability, its overall operational strength has been sharply reduced. He suggested that the country’s ability to project military power has been substantially curtailed following the recent US actions.
Strong Message on Regional Influence
Trump also used the opportunity to reiterate his administration’s approach toward Iran’s role in the Middle East. He argued that Tehran had previously sought to dominate the region through its military influence but insisted that his administration had taken a firm stance against such efforts.
Referring to Iran’s regional posture, Trump said he would not allow the country to intimidate the United States or its allies. He maintained that the recent military campaign had altered the strategic balance and reduced Iran’s ability to exert pressure across the region.
The statements add to ongoing discussions surrounding security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes. Developments involving the United States, Iran and Gulf nations continue to draw close international attention because of their potential impact on regional stability, maritime security and global energy markets.