U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron, noting that France appears ready to assist efforts to restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will soon inform countries that may participate in a potential coalition to secure the strategic waterway.
Trump said he had spoken with Macron on Sunday and added that France “would be helpful” in the effort.
At the same time, Trump expressed surprise at the position of the United Kingdom, saying he was not satisfied with its stance so far, though he added that the UK “may eventually get involved.”
He also emphasized that the United States does not depend on oil supplies, while stressing that Washington is working with allies on the situation in Ukraine.
Trump further argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is not afraid of Europe, but is afraid of the United States.”
