President Donald Trump has encouraged commercial ships to keep navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, despite increasing attacks on merchant vessels. He believes that shipowners should not let security concerns stop them, as this strait is a crucial route for global oil transportation.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “These ships should go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts. There’s nothing to be afraid of… they have no Navy; we sunk all their ships.”
These comments come at a time when the maritime industry is facing one of the most dangerous situations for civilian shipping in years. Since late February, there have been reports of missile strikes, drone attacks, and unexplained explosions across the Persian Gulf as tensions rise between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
'SHOW SOME GUTS': President Trump discussed the recent rise in oil prices during an interview with @kilmeade as the conflict in Iran approaches its second week.
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) March 9, 2026
"These ships should go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts, there's nothing to be afraid of… They have no… pic.twitter.com/pbIqLgGFID
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported a concerning rise in incidents. Their latest summary noted 13 events involving commercial vessels from February 28 to March 8, which included 10 confirmed attacks and three reports of suspicious activity in and around the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman.
These attacks have turned a vital shipping route into a conflict zone, as the strait typically handles about 20 percent of global oil shipments and a significant portion of LNG exports. Even brief interruptions can have major effects on energy markets and global supply chains.
The violence has already had fatal consequences for civilian maritime crews.
At least seven seafarers have died and several others have been seriously injured in attacks on commercial ships during this crisis, according to Arsenio Dominguez. Speaking at the International Maritime Organization's Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment meeting, he highlighted the growing human cost of this conflict for those in the maritime workforce.
“Any attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is unacceptable,” Dominguez insisted. “These seafarers are simply doing their jobs and providing essential services to the global community, ensuring the steady flow of goods and energy.”
He emphasized that freedom of navigation is a key principle of international maritime law and urged all parties to protect merchant vessels and their crews.
Among the casualties were four seafarers who were killed when a tug assisting the damaged containership SAFEEN PRESTIGE was hit by projectiles about six nautical miles north of Oman earlier this month.
This incident followed an earlier event when the product tanker MKD VYOM was struck, resulting in an explosion and engine-room fire that claimed one crew member's life.
Other vessels that faced attacks during this period include the tanker SKYLIGHT, where crew members were injured when the ship was struck off Oman’s coast.
The increase in violence has significantly reduced commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Vessel tracking data indicates a sharp decline in transits through this crucial waterway as shipowners reassess security risks. Many vessels are currently anchored or waiting in Gulf waters as operators consider whether to resume their routes through this narrow choke point.
Industry groups report that the crisis has left thousands of mariners effectively stranded on ships throughout the region.
The International Chamber of Shipping expressed concern that civilian crews are being exposed to extreme danger while performing essential roles that support global trade.
“I am very worried about the seafarers who are facing extreme risks in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas while simply trying to do their jobs,” ICS Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi stated.
Labor organizations have echoed these concerns. The International Transport Workers' Federation noted a rise in inquiries from seafarers seeking advice on their rights and safety amid the escalating conflict.
Due to the worsening security situation, the International Bargaining Forum, a global agreement between maritime unions and shipowners, has designated the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf as a Warlike Operations Area.
This designation triggers various protections for crews working under IBF contracts, including 100 percent wage bonuses, enhanced death and disability compensation, and the right for seafarers to refuse assignments in the conflict zone.
Marine insurers are reassessing their risk exposure. The International Union of Marine Insurance has indicated that war-risk coverage for voyages through the Persian Gulf remains available, though typically on a single-voyage basis and subject to specific underwriting agreements as they react to the rapidly changing threat environment.
Later on Monday, President Donald Trump shared in a CBS News interview that the U.S. campaign against Iran is "very complete" and ahead of his initial four-to-five-week timeline, asserting that Tehran now has "no navy, no communications" and "no Air Force." He also mentioned that ships are moving through the Strait of Hormuz again but hinted at the possibility of "taking it over."
Trump’s comments show the administration's belief that U.S. military actions have significantly weakened Iran’s maritime capabilities during the early stages of this conflict.
U.S. forces have targeted Iranian naval assets and maritime infrastructure as part of a broader strategy against Tehran, heightening tensions in the region.
While the White House has highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation, many shipowners are still hesitant to resume routes through the strait.
Missile strikes, drone attacks, and sabotage incidents affecting merchant ships have proven that commercial vessels can quickly become casualties in regional conflicts.
The current situation has turned what was once routine for thousands of seafarers operating in Gulf waters into one of the most hazardous assignments in global shipping.
As the conflict continues, the maritime industry is left grappling with a tough decision: whether the critical need to keep global trade flowing outweighs the increasing risks faced by the crews who make it happen.