Trump calls on countries to send warships to protect Strait of Hormuz, but brings no commitments

Cairo: US President Donald Trump on Sunday called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other countries to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe” as oil prices soared during the Iran war, but he made no commitments.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS that “many countries have approached Tehran” seeking safe passage for their ships and “that will be decided by our military.” He said a group of ships from “different countries” had been allowed through, but gave no details.Iran says one-fifth of the world’s oil exports normally pass through the strait, which is open to all except the United States and its allies.“We don’t see any reason why we should be talking to the Americans” about finding ways to end the war, Araghchi added. He pointed out that Israel and the United States launched a coordinated attack during indirect talks between the United States and Iran on Iran’s nuclear program on February 28, starting the war. Araghchi also said Tehran had “no plans to recycle” the enriched uranium that fell into ruins after U.S. and Israeli attacks last year.Countries wary of Trump’s call U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC that he had been “conversing” with some of the countries Trump mentioned and said he expected China to be a “constructive partner” in reopening the strait.But countries made no commitments.Liu Pengyu, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supply” and that China will “strengthen communication with relevant parties” to ease the situation.“We are looking very closely with our allies at the steps that can be taken because reopening the Channel is very important,” British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told Sky News, adding that ending the war was the “best and most reliable” way.South Korea’s foreign ministry said it “took note” of Trump’s call and would “closely coordinate and carefully review” the situation with the United StatesExpectations are high that Trump will ask Japan directly when he meets Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae at the White House on Thursday.France has previously said it was working with countries – President Emmanuel Macron mentioned partners in Europe, India and Asia – on a possible international mission to escort ships through the strait, but stressed it would have to be done after “the situation allows” and the fighting subsides.German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was not mentioned in Trump’s call, told ARD television: “Are we going to be an active participant in this conflict anytime soon? No.” Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said on Sunday that emergency oil stockpiles “will soon begin flowing to global markets” and described the “largest yet” collective price cuts. It updated the 400 million barrels of production announced last week to nearly 412 million barrels. Asian members plan to release stockpiles “immediately”, while reserves in Europe and the Americas will be released “from the end of March.” More missile and drone attacks reported Gulf Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain reported new missile or drone attacks after Iran called for the evacuation of three major Emirati ports, the first time the country has threatened non-U.S. ports in neighboring countries. assets.Tehran accused the United States of carrying out an attack on Friday from the United Arab Emirates on Khag Island, home to Iran’s main oil terminal, but provided no evidence. It threatened to attack “petroleum, economic and energy infrastructure” linked to the United States if its oil infrastructure was attacked.The U.S. Central Command said it had no response to Iran’s claims, while Anwar Gargash, the UAE presidential foreign affairs adviser, denied it. Gulf states that host U.S. bases deny allowing their land or airspace to be used for military operations against Iran.Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at its Arab Gulf neighbors during the war, causing heavy damage and disrupting the economy, although most were intercepted. Tehran says it is targeting U.S. assets, although Iranian attacks have been reported on civilian sites such as airports and oil fields.War casualties continue to rise across the region The Iranian attack killed at least a dozen civilians in the Gulf state, mostly migrant workers.The International Committee of the Red Cross says more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran. Iran’s Ministry of Health said 223 women and 202 children were among the dead, Mizan, the official news agency of Iran’s judiciary, reported.The Iranian government showed reporters on Sunday buildings damaged in Friday’s attack in Tehran. A police station was hit and surrounding buildings were damaged. Some apartments have had their facades removed.“God have mercy on us all,” said resident Elham Movagghari. Other Iranians are leaving the country.In Israel, Iranian missile strikes killed 12 people and injured many others, including three on Sunday. At least 13 members of the U.S. military have been killed, six of them in a plane crash in Iraq last week.At least 820 people have been killed in Lebanon since attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah on Israel, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, and Israel has responded with attacks and sent additional troops to southern Lebanon. In just 10 days, more than 800,000 people (nearly one in seven Lebanese residents) were displaced.More Iranian missiles attack Israel Israel says it will continue to attack Iran. Iran fires missiles at Israel.Multiple attacks occurred in central Israel and Tel Aviv, causing damage to 23 locations and causing small fires. Video released by the Israeli relief agency Magen David Adom showed a large crater in the street and an apartment building damaged by shrapnel.The Israeli military says Iran is firing cluster bombs that can evade some air defense systems and spread submunitions across multiple locations.