A call by Donald Trump, President of the United States, for global powers to deploy warships to protect oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz has received little response, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

Mr. Trump urged countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to send naval vessels to escort oil tankers through the strategic waterway, which handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas exports.

Despite the appeal, there were no immediate commitments from the countries mentioned as global energy prices continue to surge amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Oil markets have been rattled since Iran reacted to a new military campaign by the United States and Israel, warning it could disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for global energy supplies.

In response, the US president called on nations that depend heavily on the route to help secure it.

Meanwhile, US forces have continued strikes on what Washington describes as Iranian drone, missile and boat launch sites along Iran’s northern coastline.

Over the weekend, Mr. Trump told NBC News that he believed Tehran was interested in negotiating an end to the conflict, but said the United States would continue its military operations to force improved terms.

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it because the terms aren't good enough yet,” Mr. Trump said, adding that he could again strike Iran’s key oil hub on Kharg Island, saying he might bomb the facility “just for fun.”

However, Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, rejected Mr. Trump’s claims, insisting Tehran sees no need to engage in talks with Washington.

“We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people,” Mr. Araghchi said during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation.

“We don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us,” he added, referencing talks previously mediated by Oman.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has also vowed in a written statement to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed.

But Mr. Trump dismissed the threat and even questioned whether the Iranian leader was still in control, saying, “I don't know if he's even alive. So far, nobody has been able to show him.”