Trump Urges Naval Coalition as Iran’s Hormuz Blockade Persists and Gulf Attacks Intensify

Overview

• Explosions were reported in Bahrain and regional authorities said hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones have been intercepted since February 28, with at least 26 deaths across Gulf states including two in Bahrain.
• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard publicly vowed to track and kill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, escalating threats as cross‑border fire between Iran and Israel continues.
• President Trump called on countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send warships to help secure tanker transits, saying the United States would assist a multinational effort.
• Washington says it struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and warned of potential hits on oil assets; Tehran disputes any damage to its petroleum facilities and threatened retaliation against energy sites tied to the United States.
• Allied consultations over possible escorts continue, with London reviewing options, Paris signaling escorts only after the most intense fighting, Seoul examining the request, and U.S. naval officers warning the area could become a “death zone” for ships.