United States President Donald Trump has increased pressure on NATO allies and other global powers to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the alliance could face a “very bad” future if partners fail to assist in securing one of the world’s most critical energy routes. At the same time, Israel says its military still has “thousands of targets” in Iran as the regional war continues to escalate.
Strategic oil route at the centre of the conflict
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to the global ocean, has become a focal point in the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passes through the waterway, making any disruption a major threat to global energy markets.
Since late February, tensions in the region have intensified following large-scale military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian military facilities. Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region and warnings that shipping through the strait could be blocked.
The resulting crisis has halted or severely disrupted commercial traffic through the passage, pushing oil prices higher and prompting emergency discussions among governments and energy companies.
Trump urges allies to contribute forces
President Trump has argued that countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil should share the burden of securing the shipping lane. He has called on several nations to contribute naval assets such as minesweepers and special forces units to help reopen the corridor.
In remarks that underscored growing frustration in Washington, Trump warned that NATO could face serious consequences if member states fail to support the effort.
The president has particularly criticised European governments and China for relying heavily on energy transported through the strait while contributing little to its defence. Some countries, however, have been cautious about committing forces, reflecting fears that deeper involvement could widen the conflict.
Israel signals further strikes on Iran
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have stated that the military campaign against Iran is far from over. According to Israeli defence sources, the country still has “thousands of targets” inside Iran that could be struck if the war continues.
Israeli leaders say the objective of the operation is to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Since the beginning of the conflict, hundreds of targets across multiple Iranian cities have reportedly been hit in coordinated strikes.
The prospect of additional attacks suggests the war could extend for weeks or months, raising concerns among diplomats that the confrontation may broaden into a wider regional conflict.
Global economic and geopolitical implications
The situation has already had significant economic consequences. Oil prices have surged amid fears that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt global energy supplies.
Financial markets have become increasingly volatile, and governments are preparing contingency plans to release strategic petroleum reserves if shipping disruptions persist.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis have so far made little progress. While some governments have urged negotiations, both Washington and Tehran continue to signal that military operations may intensify before any political settlement is reached.
As the conflict unfolds, the Strait of Hormuz remains the central strategic battleground — one whose stability is critical not only for the Middle East but for the global economy.
Newshub Editorial in Asia — March 16, 2026
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