Strait of Hormuz flashpoint: US seeks allies’ naval support, Iran asserts control

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint carrying nearly 20% of the world’s traded oil, has emerged as a major flashpoint amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. US President Donald Trump has called on major oil-importing nations, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the UK, to help secure the strait. Iran, meanwhile, asserts that the strait remains open but under its control, warning that passage may be restricted for US and allied vessels.