Trump Urges Global Powers to Send Warships to Secure Strait of Hormuz Amid Middle East Conflict

America. As the ongoing war in the Middle East begins to severely impact global energy supplies, US President Donald Trump has urged other nations to send their warships to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic maritime route, through which a large portion of the world's oil supply passes, has remained virtually blocked as of Sunday due to the risk of attacks from Iran.

Intense bombing has continued in the region since the US-Israel coalition launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28. Although Washington claims to have almost completely destroyed Iran's military capabilities, Tehran denies the claim, stating that its retaliatory capacity remains intact.

Under normal circumstances, nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, due to the threat of Iranian attacks and shipping disruptions, petroleum prices in the international market have risen by about 40 percent, creating pressure on the global economy.

On Saturday, Trump stated via social media that nations affected by potential Iranian blockades should jointly form a maritime security force. He specifically urged countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to help keep the strait open and secure by sending warships to the region. He also mentioned that the US military is continuously targeting Iranian military activities in coastal areas.

The US military attacked Kharg Island, Iran's major oil export hub, on Friday. According to Trump, Iranian military targets were destroyed in that operation while protecting energy infrastructure. Iran, in turn, has warned that if its oil structures are further attacked, it will severely retaliate against US-related oil and energy companies.

According to Iran's Ministry of Health, more than 1,200 people have been killed in the attacks by America and Israel so far, although this figure has not been independently confirmed. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, approximately 3.2 million people have been displaced within Iran itself, with many moving from the capital Tehran and other cities to safer locations.

According to the Pentagon, US and Israeli forces have struck over 15,000 military targets inside Iran. Meanwhile, US media outlets reported that the US amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and about 2,500 Marines have been dispatched to the region.

Local media outlets report that new attacks are ongoing in various provinces of Iran. According to Fars News Agency, 15 people were killed in an attack on an industrial site in Isfahan, but AFP has not been able to independently confirm this.

The US military announced that it has lost 13 soldiers during the war so far. This includes six soldiers aboard a refueling aircraft that crashed in Iraq, whose deaths officials attributed to an accident rather than enemy action.

On the first day of the war in Iran, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed, and his son Mojtaba Khamenei was announced as the new Supreme Leader. However, he has not appeared publicly, and reports suggest he was injured. Iranian officials, however, stated that there is no issue with the leadership.

Tehran continues to launch missile and drone strikes towards Israel and the Gulf region, demonstrating its attack capabilities across the region. AFP journalists reported hearing explosions in Jerusalem over the weekend. The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia also reported that their air defense systems intercepted missiles or drones.

In a related development, black smoke was seen rising from the area of Fujairah port, the UAE's major oil storage and export hub. The Iranian military had warned civilians to stay away from the port area.

Security sources reported a drone attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. This is the second such attack since the war began. Additionally, the Emirati Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan was reportedly targeted for the second time in a week. US officials in Baghdad urged their citizens to leave the country immediately.

The Civil Aviation Authority in Kuwait stated that a drone attack caused damage to the international airport's radar system but resulted in no casualties. Qatar reported intercepting two missiles in parts of Doha where explosion sounds were heard, leading to the evacuation of some areas.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have fired missiles at US troops stationed at the Al-Kharj military base in Saudi Arabia. Although the Saudi side did not confirm the attack, they stated that some ballistic missiles heading in that direction were intercepted.

The impact of the war has also affected the sports sector. The motor sports governing body announced the cancellation of major international car racing events scheduled for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April.

Meanwhile, some members of the Iranian women's football team, currently touring Australia, have sought asylum in the country. This step was reportedly taken due to fears that they would be branded 'traitors' if they returned home after refusing to sing the national anthem.

As the war zone expands, Lebanon has also been drawn into the conflict after the Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel. Lebanese officials stated that at least 826 people have been killed in Israeli air and ground attacks.

Israel ordered the evacuation of hundreds of square kilometers in southern Lebanon, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Hezbollah reported direct clashes with Israeli forces in the Khiam area of southern Lebanon on Saturday night, raising concerns about the further spread of the regional war.