**Securing the Strait of Hormuz: A Global Effort Needed** The world's busiest shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, has faced significant challenges in recent times. Located between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, the strait is responsible for transporting almost one-fifth of the world's daily oil and gas supply. The situation took a turn for the worse in late February when the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, leading to a retaliatory response from Tehran. Iran's actions have effectively closed the strait to vessels from countries deemed hostile, including the US and Israel. This has led to a surge in global crude prices, with oil now trading at around $120 per barrel - a nearly 50% increase. In a recent statement, US President Donald Trump emphasized the need for a collective effort to secure the strait. He urged countries that rely on oil imports from this region, including China, Japan, and the UK, to send naval units to the area. Trump assured that the US would provide significant support, but emphasized that the responsibility should not rest solely on Washington. Other Western nations are already taking steps to bolster their military presence in the region. Britain is considering additional deployments to the Gulf, while France has deployed around a dozen vessels, including an aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean and Red Sea. The Indian Navy, too, has been vigilant, with an oil tanker bound for India navigating the strait safely last week. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has maintained that the strait remains operational for international shipping, but vessels linked to the US and Israel are not permitted to pass through. This has raised concerns about the safety of ships and the stability of global oil markets. The situation highlights the importance of international cooperation in maintaining global security and stability. As President Trump emphasized, securing the Strait of Hormuz should be a team effort, with nations coming together to ensure the safe passage of ships and the continued flow of oil supplies.