US Allies Reject Trump's Demands for Warships in Strait of Hormuz
Left says
- •Trump's confrontational approach toward allies through tariffs, insults, and threats has undermined the trust needed for effective coalition-building in this crisis
- •European nations rightfully view this as an American-Israeli war they had no role in starting and should not be obligated to join
- •The closure of the Strait of Hormuz represents a predictable consequence of Trump's decision to launch military action against Iran without consulting allies
- •Rising gas prices and economic disruption could have been avoided through diplomatic engagement rather than military escalation
Right says
- •Countries that depend heavily on Gulf oil imports, particularly Japan (95%) and China (90%), have a clear economic interest in helping reopen this vital shipping lane
- •America has provided decades of security protection to these allies, and they should reciprocate when U.S. leadership is needed to address a global crisis
- •The Strait of Hormuz closure threatens the entire world economy with the largest oil supply disruption in history, making international cooperation essential
- •Trump's military campaign has successfully degraded Iran's capabilities, and allied naval support would help secure a swift resolution to restore global energy flows
Common Take
High Consensus- The Strait of Hormuz closure has created a significant global economic crisis with oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel
- About 20% of the world's oil supply normally flows through this strategic waterway, making its reopening crucial for global energy security
- Iran has effectively blocked commercial shipping through the strait using mines, drones, and anti-ship missiles
- Rising fuel costs are directly impacting consumers worldwide, with U.S. gas prices up nearly 80 cents in recent weeks
The Arguments
Right argues
Countries like Japan (95% oil dependence) and China (90% oil dependence) have massive economic stakes in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, making their reluctance to contribute naval support economically irrational and strategically shortsighted.
Left counters
These countries view this as an American-Israeli war they had no role in starting, and Trump's history of tariffs, insults, and unilateral decision-making has undermined the trust necessary for effective coalition-building in crises.
Left argues
Trump's confrontational approach toward allies through trade wars and threats has poisoned the diplomatic well, making it unrealistic to expect enthusiastic cooperation when he suddenly needs their help in a conflict they opposed from the start.
Right counters
Regardless of past diplomatic tensions, the closure represents the largest oil supply disruption in history threatening the entire global economy, making international cooperation a matter of urgent economic self-interest that transcends political grievances.
Right argues
America has provided decades of security protection to these allies through NATO and bilateral defense agreements, and they should reciprocate when U.S. leadership is needed to address a global crisis that threatens their own energy security.
Left counters
The Strait of Hormuz closure represents a predictable consequence of Trump's decision to launch military action against Iran without consulting allies, and they should not be obligated to clean up a mess they warned against creating.
Left argues
European nations rightfully view this crisis as the direct result of unilateral American military escalation, and sending warships would make them complicit in a war they believe could have been avoided through diplomatic engagement rather than military action.
Right counters
Trump's military campaign has successfully degraded Iran's capabilities and created an opportunity for swift resolution, but allied naval support is essential to secure the waterway and restore global energy flows before economic damage becomes irreversible.
Right argues
The International Energy Agency has declared this the largest supply disruption in history, and countries that depend on Gulf oil have a clear moral and economic obligation to help restore this vital shipping lane rather than free-riding on American military efforts.
Left counters
Rising gas prices and economic disruption could have been avoided entirely if Trump had pursued diplomatic solutions instead of military escalation, making it unfair to demand allies bear the costs of his strategic miscalculations.
Challenge Questions
These questions target genuine internal contradictions — meant to provoke honest reflection.
Right asks Left
“If the Strait of Hormuz closure truly represents an unprecedented global economic crisis affecting oil-dependent allies, how can the left simultaneously argue that these same countries are justified in refusing to help address a crisis that directly threatens their own economic survival?”
Left asks Right
“If Trump's military campaign has been as successful as claimed in degrading Iranian capabilities, why does the U.S. still need allied naval support to secure a waterway against a supposedly 'obliterated' enemy, and doesn't this dependency undermine claims of American military dominance?”
Outlier Report
Left Fringe
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles represents the most absolutist position, stating Spain will 'never accept any stopgap measures' and demanding immediate war cessation. This represents roughly 15% of left opinion, as most prefer diplomatic solutions over complete non-engagement.
Right Fringe
Retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward on Newsmax represents the most hawkish position, arguing European participation is inevitable and that Iran's leadership are 'dead men walking.' This hardline military intervention stance represents approximately 20% of right opinion.
Noise Assessment
Moderate noise level - Trump's public pressure campaign and NATO allies' formal rejections represent genuine policy positions rather than performative politics, though Trump's threats about NATO's future add some rhetorical amplification.
Sources (27)
Trump says Israel 'would never' use a nuclear weapon on Iran At his press conference earlier, Donald Trump quickly shut down a reporter's question about the possibility of Israel using a nuclear weapon on Iran if the conflict continues to escalate. The US president said: Israel would never do that. You've pounded them to hell and you could just leave now, and it'll take 10 years for them to build back not nearly what they have right now. It comes after one of his advisors, David Sacks, suggested the possible outcome in a podcast interview last week where he expressed concern about the conflict escalating. Sacks said:...
Trump wants other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That might not be so easy. Read more about Trump wants other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. That might not be so easy.
Trump seeks warships from other countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz Read more about Trump seeks warships from other countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz
<p>U.S. allies are resisting the Trump administration's pressure to join an international coalition to reopen the critical <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/09/us-oil-iran-strait-hormuz-defend" target="_blank">Strait of Hormuz</a>.</p><ul><li>While the U.K. has circulated a plan among potential coalition members, responses from several other countries have ranged from skepticism to "hell no," according to sources familiar with the diplomatic talks.</li></ul><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> The strait closure has become the main crisis in the war for the White House. As long as the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-mines-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank">Iranian blockade</a> holds and Gulf <a href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" target="_blank">oil</a> remains trapped, Trump can't end the war and declare victory even if he wants to.</p><hr /><p><strong>State of play:</strong> The White House is trying both military and diplomatic means to unlock the crisis.</p><ul><li>The U.S. military is conducting strikes on Iranian anti-ship positions along the shores of the Strait of Hormuz to decimate <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/strait-hormuz-iran-blockade-oil-trump-coalition" target="_blank">Iran's</a> ability to attack oil tankers. </li><li>Meanwhile, the White House and State Department are <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/14/trump-iran-war-ships-strait-hormuz" target="_blank">trying to build a coalition</a> of countries to provide ships, other military assets and political backing for a mission to escort ships or otherwise provide a secure route for shipping in and out of the Gulf.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in:</strong> A source with knowledge said the <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">Trump</a> administration wants the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, the Gulf countries and Jordan to be part of the coalition. The U.S. has also approached Japan and South Korea.</p><ul><li>But the leaders of countries including Germany, Italy and Japan have already ruled out sending naval vessels.</li><li>Trump spoke on Sunday with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron about joining the coalition. </li><li>Trump said Macron was "8 out of 10" in terms of willingness to help. He also said the U.K. would join. </li><li>But a source with knowledge said that while Starmer was forward-leaning, Macron was noncommittal. "Macron didn't give a final no, but at the moment it's a no," a second source said. </li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes: </strong>The U.K. has drafted a plan for how a multinational task force could be constructed and shared it with the U.S. and several other countries, two sources said.</p><ul><li>But the U.K. draft hasn't been shared with all the countries Trump has asked to join, and any consensus about how the coalition would work appears a ways off.</li><li>"It's a mess. A lot of people are confused," a European diplomat said.</li><li>European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting with foreign ministers of the 27 member states that "there is no appetite" in the EU to join Trump's Hormuz coalition. "This is not Europe's war," she said.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> Trump told reporters on Monday that he was "greatly disappointed" in some countries that were skeptical of partnering with the U.S. to open the strait.</p><ul><li>"[Leaders] in some countries that we've helped for many, many years, we've protected them from horrible outside sources, and they weren't that enthusiastic," Trump said, including countries that host large numbers of U.S. troops.</li><li>Trump has argued that countries in Asia and Europe that are dependent on Gulf oil should be rushing in to help, and told the FT it would be "very bad" for NATO's future if allies don't step up.</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines:</strong> Trump has fueled tensions with many of the same allies he's now calling upon over a year of tariffs, insults and threats.</p><ul><li>Many U.S. allies were also skeptical of Trump's case for war with Iran.</li><li>But they will face steep consequences if oil and other goods like semiconductors can't traverse the strait. </li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper... </strong><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/witkoff-to-brief-small-bipartisan-group-of-senators-tuesday" target="_blank">Scoop: Witkoff to brief bipartisan group of senators Tuesday on Iran</a></p>
<p>President <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">Trump</a> claimed on Saturday the U.S. and several other countries will send war ships to the Gulf to reopen commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz. </p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> The attacks in the strait of Hormuz brought commercial shipping to and from the Gulf to an almost complete halt, dramatically disrupted oil exports from the region and destabilized global energy markets.</p><hr /><ul><li> U.S., Israeli and Western officials say the situation at the strait has been the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/trump-iran-oil-prices-hormuz" target="_blank">key concern</a> for the Trump administration in recent days. </li></ul><p><strong>What he's saying:</strong> "Many Countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe," Trump wrote on Truth Social. </p><ul><li>While claiming the U.S. has "destroyed 100% of Iran's Military capability," Trump acknowledged the Iranians are still sending drones, dropping mines and launching anti-ship missiles against vessels in the strait. </li><li>"Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated," he added. </li><li>The president later <a href="https://truthsocial.com/%40realDonaldTrump/posts/116229058692001771" target="_blank">said</a> on Truth Social that "the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!"</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news: </strong>Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/hegseth-iran-war-supreme-leader-wounded-disfigured" target="_self">Pete Hegseth</a> is <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/marines-middle-east-us-deployment" target="_blank">sending</a> an amphibious assault ship, the USS Tripoli, and its Marine expeditionary unit to the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/trump-iran-surrender-hormuz-oil" target="_self">Middle East</a> amid the crisis at the strait of Hormuz. </p><ul><li>The Marine expeditionary unit will be able to conduct ground operations if ordered. The U.S. official declined to comment on that possibility.</li><li>On Friday, the U.S. military conducted a <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-strike-trump-us" target="_blank">massive strike on Kharg Island</a> in <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran</a> - the center of the country's oil exports.</li><li>The U.S. military Central Command said in a <a href="https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2032777791247155482" target="_blank">statement</a> that the "large-scale precision" strike on Kharg Island destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. Overall 90 military targets on the island were attacked. </li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines: </strong>The strike was a "shot across the bow" by Trump to signal to the Iranians they should stop closing the Strait of Hormuz which has dramatically disrupted the global oil market.</p><ul><li>Trump made clear in a post on Truth Social that the oil facilities on the island were not targeted this time, but warned they will be if Iran doesn't stop its attacks on ships in the Strait.</li></ul><p><strong>What to watch:</strong> Sources told Axios on Friday that before military escorts of commercial ships would begin, the U.S. military is planning potential operations for taking out land-based anti-ship missiles that the Iranians have deployed in the Strait area.</p><ul><li>President Trump confirmed it in his post on Saturday. </li><li>"In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!" he wrote. </li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper:</strong> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-strike-trump-us" target="_blank">U.S. conducts major bombing of strategic Iran Island, Trump says</a></p><p><em>Editor's note: This story has been updated with Trump's latest statement on the war.</em></p>
<p>The U.S. Navy will escort ships through the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/oil-prices-iran-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank">Strait of Hormuz</a>, "perhaps with an international coalition," as "soon as it is militarily possible," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a Sky News interview broadcast Thursday.</p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>The International Energy Agency said Thursday the global oil market is facing "the largest supply disruption" in history due to the <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_blank">Iran</a> war, which Bessent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GezSoVqUHtI" target="_blank">told</a> Sky News has cost the U.S. $11 billion thus far.</p><hr /><ul><li>Calls have been growing for a <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/iran-war-oil-hormuz-strait-ships-trump-energy" target="_blank">naval protection system</a> in the strait amid concerns that Iran is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/12/world/middleeast/iran-mines-strait-of-hormuz-us.html" target="_blank">laying</a> mines in the narrow, strategically important waterway that typically <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-gas-majors-traders-suspend-shipments-via-hormuz-us-attacks-iran-sources-say-2026-02-28/" target="_blank">handles</a> about 20% of the world's <a href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" target="_self">oil</a> supply, as soaring <a href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate" target="_blank">energy</a> costs are felt at <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/gas-prices-iran-trump" target="_blank">the gas pump</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Yes, but: </strong>Bessent told Sky News' Wilfred Frost that Iranian tankers and "some Chinese-flagged tankers have come through" the strait, so "we know that they have not mined" it.</p><p><strong>What we're watching: </strong>Bessent told the British broadcaster that ships would be escorted through the strait "as soon as it is possible for safe passage," once the U.S. has "complete control of the skies" and Tehran's "rebuilding capabilities for the missiles completely degraded."</p><ul><li>Energy Secretary Chris Wright <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/03/12/energy-secretary-chris-wright-u-s-not-ready-to-escort-tankers-through-strait-of-hormuz-yet.html" target="_blank">said</a> during an interview with CNBC Thursday that naval escorts in the strait would "happen relatively soon," but added: "It can't happen now."</li><li>"All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities," Wright said.</li><li>It's "quite likely the case" that escorts might start by the month's end, Wright added.</li></ul><p><strong>Of note: </strong>ClearView Energy Partners in a Thursday research note responded to that timeframe by warning that global energy prices that have already topped <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/08/iran-war-oil-market-barrel-cost" target="_blank">$100 a barrel</a> in recent days, including overnight, "could rise significantly in a month's time."</p><p><strong>State of play: </strong>Since President <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">Trump</a> said five days into the war on <a href="https://truthsocial.com/%40realDonaldTrump/posts/116166926920657651" target="_blank">March 3</a> that the U.S. Navy "will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible" if it's "necessary," traffic in the waterway has reached a virtual standstill amid Tehran's threats to attack vessels.</p><ul><li>The IEA said in its monthly report Thursday the "co-ordinated emergency" release of up to <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/iea-oil-reserve-release-iran-war" target="_blank">400 million barrels</a> of oil from member governments that <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/trump-strategic-oil-reserve-gas-prices-iran-war" target="_blank">Trump requested</a> "provides a significant and welcome buffer."</li><li>However, "it remains a stop-gap measure" in "the absence of a swift resolution to the conflict," the intergovernmental organization added.</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines: </strong>The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to non-Iranian energy cargoes for 14 days as of Friday and "Iranian officials show <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/iran-mojtaba-khamenei-first-message-trump-israel" target="_blank">little sign of relenting</a>," per ClearView Energy.</p><ul><li>In an "apparent recognition" of the prospect of oil price rises, Bessent <a href="https://x.com/SecScottBessent/status/2032240591442960393" target="_blank">confirmed</a> on X that the U.S. was "providing a temporary authorization to permit countries to purchase <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/russia" target="_blank">Russian</a> oil currently stranded at sea" to "increase the global reach of existing supply," it noted.</li><li>U.S. reliance on Russia sanctions relief to shore up supply for Hormuz-reliant Asian importers underscores both the severity of market conditions and the limits of government strategic reserves, the research firm said.</li><li>While volumes already in transit "can reach importers quickly," ClearView Energy noted that seaborne strategic stockpile releases "could take weeks to arrive, and it is not yet clear when some IEA Member countries will begin their releases."</li></ul><p><strong>More from Axios: </strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/oil-prices-reserve-iran-war" target="_blank">U.S. oil stockpile is at a three-decade low</a></li><li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/oil-prices-iran-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank">What it will mean for the economy if the Strait of Hormuz stays closed</a></li><li><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/12/trump-jones-act-waiver-oil-prices" target="_blank">What the Jones Act does and how a Trump suspension could affect fuel prices</a></li></ul>
<p>There's "growing momentum to establish a naval protection system" in the Strait of Hormuz as <a href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_blank">Iran's</a> military escalates attacks on commercial ships, Eurasia Group says.</p><p><strong>The big picture: </strong>U.S. Central Command <a href="https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/4430855/civilians-warned-to-avoid-ports-used-by-iranian-forces/" target="_blank">warned</a> "the Iranian regime is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping" and put lives at risk.</p><hr /><ul><li>Officials reported at least <a href="https://x.com/UK_MTO/status/2031887648730517834" target="_blank">five</a> cargo <a href="https://x.com/UK_MTO/status/2031776880106618894" target="_blank">vessels</a> were hit in the region Wednesday.</li><li>At least four seafarers have been <a href="https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pressbriefings/pages/imo-secretary-general-statement-strait-of-hormuz-seafarer-deaths-unacceptable.aspx" target="_blank">killed</a> after two missiles struck a UAE-flagged tugboat that was last week trying to help a stranded container ship north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, officials <a href="https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/security/tug-struck-assisting-abandoned-container-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank">said</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>State of play: </strong>Nations are scrambling to get barrels moving.</p><ul><li>Eurasia Group, a political risk research and consulting firm, said in a note Wednesday that traffic through the strait that typically <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-gas-majors-traders-suspend-shipments-via-hormuz-us-attacks-iran-sources-say-2026-02-28/" target="_blank">handles</a> about 20% of the world's <a href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" target="_blank">oil</a> supply "remains near zero because of threats by Iran to attack any passing vessels."</li><li>The U.S. military on Tuesday destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying naval vessels amid concerns that Iran is preparing to <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/10/hormuz-strait-mines-war-trump" target="_blank">deploy mines</a> in the key waterway.</li><li>Maritime expert Capt. Kees Buckens told Axios it's quite easy for Iran's military to "quickly send out speedboats loaded with bombs and missiles to attack ships if they wanted to do that."</li><li>Calls have been growing for commercial shipping vessels to be protected. When Energy Secretary Chris Wright's X account briefly and inaccurately <a href="https://x.com/Rory_Johnston/status/2031425567799550328" target="_blank">stated</a> Tuesday that the U.S. Navy had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the strait, it <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/10/iran-trump-oil-tanker-hormuz-wright-white-house.html" target="_blank">pushed</a> oil prices down during another day of volatile trading.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom in: </strong>White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a Tuesday <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1nGeLyqRqLLKX" target="_blank">briefing</a> that the U.S. Navy "has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time."</p><ul><li>But she emphasized this was an option President <a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">Trump</a> "has said he will absolutely utilize, if and when necessary, at the appropriate time."</li><li>Eurasia Group pointed to an assessment by the 47-nation naval partnership Joint Maritime Information Center that "maritime industry stakeholders should anticipate a deliberate and methodical plan focused on ensuring safe and secure vessel movements" when "conditions permit."</li></ul><p><strong>Yes, but: </strong>It's "likely this will take until the end of March, or perhaps even the beginning of April, to fully set up," according to the Eurasia Group.</p><p><strong>By the numbers: </strong>About 20,000 seafarers are currently working on ships in the Persian Gulf, notes Buckens, of Manukau Institute of Technology's New Zealand Maritime School, who's previously sailed tankers through the strait.</p><ul><li>It's normal for them to be away from home for four or five months, but now families are separated as "they're sitting in a war zone suddenly, and they can be shot at," said Buckens, an industry engagement and simulation manager at the school, in a phone interview.</li></ul><p><strong>What we're watching: </strong>Trump, Wright and other energy officials are "closely monitoring the situation, speaking with industry leaders, and having the U.S. military draw up additional options to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, including the potential for our Navy to escort tankers," a Department of Energy spokesperson said in a Tuesday email.</p><ul><li>Representatives for the Trump administration didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment on plans to escort commercial ships through the strait.</li></ul><p><strong>Between the lines: </strong>Even with the guarantee of an escort from the U.S. Navy or a wider coalition, Buckens said he would still be hesitant to sail through the strait until it were proven to be safe.</p><ul><li>It's not a very large area and it's "pretty easy to put sea mines in there because it's so close to the shoreline," Buckens said.</li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper:</strong> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/trump-strategic-oil-reserve-gas-prices-iran-war" target="_blank">Trump will tap oil reserve as Iran war drives up gas prices</a></p>
Kharg Island is home to about 90% of Iran’s oil exports, with President Donald Trump saying its targets were ‘totally obliterated.’
As President Donald Trump looks to several countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. and Israel continue to pound Iran.
President Trump gave an update on the ongoing military operations in the conflict in Iran and called on other nations to help secure the Strait of Hormuz as its closure impacts world energy supplies.
President Donald Trump has spent much of his time in office berating and threatening his NATO allies.
Trump calls on nations to help secure Strait of Hormuz
Retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, who served as a Navy SEAL and deputy commander to U.S. Central Command, told Newsmax on Monday that Europe must assist the United States in working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump on Monday criticized the United Kingdom for what he described as reluctance to deploy warships to help the U.S. secure the Strait of Hormuz, saying he was taken aback by the hesitation from one of Washington's closest allies.
While some European countries said they were discussing ways to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, several rejected President Trump’s calls to send warships.
<p>BERLIN/BRUSSELS/LONDON, March 16 (Reuters)—Several U.S. allies said on Monday they had no immediate plans to send ships to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, rebuffing a... <a class="call-to-action" href="https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/03/16/us-allies-rebuff-trumps-request-for-support-in-strait-of-hormuz/">Read More</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/03/16/us-allies-rebuff-trumps-request-for-support-in-strait-of-hormuz/">US Allies Rebuff Trump’s Request for Support in Strait of Hormuz</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.dailysignal.com/">The Daily Signal</a>.</p>
President Trump is seeking help to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz — but the responses he’s getting from traditional U.S. allies mostly range from tepid noncommittal to outright refusal. The diplomatic battle has cast a new shadow on Trump’s attack on Iran, which has been unpopular with the American public from the outset. U.S.…
President Trump encouraged other countries to assist in dealing with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, calling Iran “a paper tiger” in response to concerns of threats from the Middle Eastern nation. “We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us, and get involved quickly and with great enthusiasm,” Trump…
President Trump said Sunday he might push back his trip to China scheduled for later this month, as he pushes for other countries to help the United States reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. During a wide-ranging interview with the Financial Times, the president called on China to help police…
President Trump said Sunday he is in talks with “about seven” countries on policing the Strait of Hormuz, as its closure amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupts global energy markets. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the president said his administration contacted various countries throughout the weekend, adding some countries have provided “positive”…
President Trump said on Sunday the NATO alliance faces a “very bad” future if countries do not answer his call to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump told the Financial Times. Trump…
United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz on Sunday said the U.S. is demanding that international allies help escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in Iran. “President Trump is calling upon the world, saying the entire world is affected,” Waltz told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.” “Iran can’t hold your…
<p>Germany on Monday flatly rejected Trump's demand that NATO allies send naval vessels to help protect shipping in this strategic waterway.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.twz.com/news-features/allies-push-back-on-trumps-demand-they-send-warships-to-strait-of-hormuz">Allies Push Back On Trump’s Demand They Send Warships To Strait Of Hormuz (Updated)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.twz.com">The War Zone</a>.</p>
This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump is looking for help with the war he started. What’s happening? Over the weekend, Trump said in a post that “many” countries “will […]
President Trump said Monday he is keeping a close watch on which countries help the U.S. break Iran's logjam and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic.