Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Donald Trump has called on multiple countries to send warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. The request comes as attacks on tankers and threats from Iran have raised concerns about the safety of global energy supply lines. Trump suggested that nations heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy, such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, should participate in a coordinated effort to keep the waterway open and protect commercial shipping.  The strait is a vital chokepoint for global trade, with roughly a fifth of the world’s oil shipments typically passing through it. Any disruption there can quickly drive energy prices higher and ripple across global markets. As geopolitical tensions rise and military activity increases in the region, governments and markets alike are watching closely to see whether an international naval coalition will form to stabilize the route and ensure the continued flow of energy supplies.