“The Strait is also a key passage for fertilisers into Europe. In addition to handling oil and gas supply, around 13% of global fertiliser exports, according to the United Nations, also pass through the Gulf’s only access to the open ocean.”

“Trump has repeatedly railed against Western partners for not responding to his call to assemble a naval force to help reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz, even saying in a newspaper interview on Wednesday he was considering withdrawing the US from NATO.”

“The White House sent a spending proposal to lawmakers on Friday calling for a massive $1.5 trillion defence budget next year as it faces increased costs due to the Iran war.”

“The total year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending would be the largest since World War II, US media reported, although presidential budgets are wish lists that have to be approved by Congress, rather than binding orders.”

“The White House summary says Trump's proposal would reduce non-defence spending by 10% by shifting some responsibilities to state and local governments.”

“Separately, the Pentagon last month proposed $200 billion for the war effort and to backfill munitions and supplies.”

“Trump, speaking ahead of an address to the nation earlier this week, signalled the military is his priority, setting up a potential clash in Congress. 'We're fighting wars. We can't take care of day care,' Trump said at a private White House event on Wednesday. 'It's not possible for us to take care of...Medicaid, Medicare, all these individual things,' he said. 'They can do it on a state basis. You can't do it on a federal.'”