U.S. President Donald Trump has sought assistance from NATO allies to ensure the Hormuz Strait remains open, a key route for global oil supply. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the United States has begun reaching out to its allies for cooperation in maintaining security in the strait. He emphasized that regional countries should protect their own areas since they depend on the route for energy supplies. Trump noted that the U.S. itself has abundant oil resources and might not need to maintain a presence there.

Trump stated that the United States has so far spoken with seven countries, many of which are NATO members. He added that Washington continues to support NATO, including on the Ukraine issue. The president said it would be interesting to see which countries decline to assist in what he described as a “very small initiative” to keep the strait open. He declined to name the countries that have offered help but mentioned receiving some positive responses.

Trump also claimed that the U.S. has already destroyed Iran’s navy but warned that a few individuals or terrorists could still create chaos in the strait.