US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation amid rising tensions in West Asia, with both leaders stressing the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global trade and energy supply.
The development comes at a time when disruptions in the crucial shipping route have raised concerns about a global energy crisis.
Strait of Hormuz crucial for global oil supply
According to a post on X by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Trump and PM Modi discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia and the need to maintain the free flow of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
“President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” Gor wrote.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but extremely important waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. A large portion of the world’s oil shipments passes through this route every day. Any disruption in this passage can quickly affect global oil prices and energy supplies.
Recent tensions in the region have already slowed movement in the area, raising fears of supply shortages and higher fuel prices worldwide.
Trump delays possible strike on Iran
The phone call between the two leaders came a day after President Trump announced that the United States would temporarily halt a planned attack on Iran. Trump said his administration had held “productive” discussions with Tehran.
He also indicated that the planned strike on Iranian power plants would be delayed by five days, provided the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and normal shipping resumes. However, Iranian leaders have strongly rejected Trump’s claims about negotiations.
