United States President Donald Trump has urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations to send warships to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies, as fighting between Iran and Israel drives energy prices higher. However, none of the countries publicly committed to joining such an effort, instead calling for de-escalation and coordination.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said several countries have approached Tehran seeking safe passage for their vessels and that decisions rest with Iran’s military. He maintained that the strait remains open to all except the United States and its allies, and said there were no plans to recover enriched uranium buried after previous strikes. Tehran has blamed the United States and Israel for starting the latest round of fighting.

Energy ministers from several countries signaled caution, emphasizing that reopening the strait depends on ending the conflict. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency announced the release of nearly 412 million barrels of emergency oil stocks to stabilize markets, describing it as the largest coordinated release ever.

Missile and drone attacks continued across the region, with Gulf Arab states reporting new strikes and mounting civilian casualties in Iran, Israel and neighboring countries. Damage to infrastructure and mass displacement, particularly in Lebanon, have intensified fears of a broader regional war as both Iran and Israel exchange further attacks.