Trump pressures allies on Hormuz security as Israel warns thousands of targets remain in Iran

Tensions across the Middle East escalated further on Monday as the United States increased pressure on its allies over the security of the Strait of Hormuz while Israel warned that it still has “thousands of targets” inside Iran.

US President Donald Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if allied countries fail to assist in efforts to reopen and secure the vital oil shipping route. The strait is one of the most important energy corridors in the world, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments.

The warning came as the regional conflict involving Iran continues to intensify. Israeli officials said their military campaign against Iran is far from complete, stating that thousands of potential targets remain across Iranian territory.

According to Israeli authorities, the country continues to evaluate further operations as part of its ongoing military strategy against Iran. The statement signals that the conflict may continue for some time, with the possibility of additional strikes.

Meanwhile, developments across the region have raised fresh concerns about security and stability.

Authorities in Dubai temporarily suspended flights at the city’s international airport after a fire broke out near the facility following what officials described as a “drone-related incident”. The incident impacted a fuel tank in the area, according to the media office in the Gulf financial hub.

Officials later confirmed that the blaze had been extinguished. No injuries were reported following the incident.

Images from the scene showed smoke rising near the airport as emergency services responded to the situation.

At the same time, international reactions to the crisis continued to unfold.

Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, said her government has no immediate plans to send maritime self-defence forces to help protect tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to members of parliament on Monday, Takaichi said Tokyo has not made any decision about dispatching escort ships to the region.

“We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships,” she said.

She added that Japan is continuing to examine what actions it could take independently and what measures might be possible within the country’s legal framework.

Japan can deploy its military overseas to support an ally if it believes its own security is threatened. However, any involvement in military operations related to the conflict with Iran would likely face political and legal challenges domestically.

Takaichi also indicated that Japan is seeking diplomatic solutions to reduce tensions in the region.

“I would like to engage in solid discussions based on Japan’s views and position regarding the need for early de-escalation,” she said.

The Japanese leader is expected to discuss the Iran conflict when she meets Donald Trump in Washington later this week.

Meanwhile, other allies have also signalled hesitation about joining potential security operations in the strait.

Japan and Australia are not currently planning to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, reports indicated that the United States is moving troops from Japan to the Middle East as the crisis continues to evolve.

The situation remains fluid, with military, diplomatic and economic developments continuing to emerge as tensions remain high across the region.