US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that the United States had “beaten and completely decimated” Iran, while urging countries that depend on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to help keep the crucial route open.

In a social media post, Trump said nations that depend on oil passing through the narrow waterway should take responsibility for safeguarding it, while the United States would support and coordinate efforts to keep the passage operational.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, wrote, “The United States of America has beaten and completely decimated Iran, both Militarily, economically, and in every other way, but the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” “The US will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well,” he added.

Call for global naval presence

Trump’s remarks came a day after he announced strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island. The US President said several countries could send naval forces to ensure shipping continues safely through the Strait of Hormuz.

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"Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe," Trump said on social media.

He added that he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain would also deploy ships to the region.

"In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water," he added.

Iran says strait open to most countries

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to most countries, but vessels linked to the US and Israel are restricted.

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"As a matter of fact, this Straits of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and the allies. Others are free to pass, " Araghchi said in an interview to MS Now on Saturday.

Responding to questions about the ongoing situation, Araghchi said the route has not been fully shut.

The Strait is not closed and “it is only closed to American, Israeli ships and tankers and not to others”, he said.