(The Center Square) – As President Donald Trump looks to several countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. and Israel continue to pound Iran.
During a round table event at the White House Monday, Trump was asked about which countries would assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz against the Iranian regime targeting oil tankers. The president wouldn’t specify, though he said many countries could be involved, while expressing frustration with some historic allies that aren’t interested in aiding.
“Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way. Some are very enthusiastic about it and some aren’t. Some are countries that we’ve helped for many, many years. We’ve protected them from horrible outside sources, and they weren’t that enthusiastic. And the level of enthusiasm matters to me,” the president told reporters. “They should be involved enthusiastically. We’ve been protecting these countries…We are the strongest nation, we don’t need anybody.”
However, the president has reportedly called on countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and European nations to step in and help secure the vital passage way connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The president underscored that Japan imports about 95% of its oil from the region, with China close behind at 90% and South Korea receiving about 35%, while the U.S. imports less than 1% from the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump acknowledged the pain many are feeling at the pump, with increased prices, but optimistic they will come down as the conflict subsides.
“Oil prices are going to go down very, very rapidly. So is inflation, so is everything else. But frankly, much more important than short-term, even long-term oil prices, you can’t let the most violent, vicious country in the last 50 years have a nuclear weapon,” said the president.
Trump has been asked repeatedly by reporters as to when the conflict may end, with the president giving vague answers. However, he continues to reiterate the damage done to Iran.
“We’ve achieved a 90% reduction in missile launchers and 95% in drone attacks,” the president added.
As of Monday afternoon, U.S. Central Command said over 7,000 targets have been struck, while more than 100 Iranian Naval vessels have been damaged or destroyed.
Trump is set to meet with two world leaders this week, the Taoiseach of Ireland, Michael Martin, and Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.
The president is expected to continue pressuring Takaichi to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
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