But Mr Trump has taken to Twitter and asked why the US should protect the shipping lanes for a number of countries – singling out China and Japan – “for zero compensation”.
He said: “China gets 91 percent of its oil from the Strait, Japan 62 percent, & many other countries likewise.
“So why are we protecting the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation?
“All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey.”
What would happen if Iran launched attack on Donald Trump?
The US President continued nay issuing a chilling warning to Iran in the latest escalation of tensions.
He added: “We don’t even need to be there in that the U.S. has just become (by far) the largest producer of energy anywhere in the world!
“The US request for Iran is very simple – No Nuclear Weapons and No Further Sponsoring of Terror!”
Mr Trump’s remarks echo those he made about the NATO, in which he has continued to call on the alliance’s member nations to spend more more on defence.
Earlier on Monday, Oman denied reports it had conveyed a message from the US to theIranian Government over the downing of the unmanned US drone last week.
The Foreign Ministry also said on Twitter: The Sultanate is watching current regional developments with concern and hopes that the Iranian and American sides show restraint and address unresolved issues through dialogue.”
Two Iranian sources told Reuters on Friday Mr Trump had urged Tehran via Oman of an imminent US attack, which he later called off, after Iran shot down the drone. The US President has denied sending such a message.
Tensions have been escalating sharply between the US and Iran over recent weeks, particularly following the attacks on the two pool tankers in the Gulf and Iran’s downing of the drone.
Iran said earlier today US cyber attacks on its military had failed, but said it could be willing to discuss new concessions if the US lifts sanctions and offers new incentives.
Washington and Riyadh have blamed Tehran for the tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, an accusation which Iran has denied.
On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and had lunch with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before proceeding to the UAE for talks with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince.
Their discussions covered protection for ships in the Gulf after the recent attacks on the two tankers, with Mr Pompeo tweeting from the Saudi city of Jeddah: “Freedom of navigation is paramount.”