The report claims that Donald Trump’s attempts to secure help for safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz have faced strong skepticism
Axios reported on Monday, citing sources, that US efforts to form an international coalition to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have turned into a “mess” as Washington’s partners are reluctant to offer support.
Strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, along with Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, have disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The de-facto closure of one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints has sent shockwaves through global oil markets, with Brent crude at times trading above $100 per barrel.
According to Axios, the administration of US President Donald Trump has been lobbying countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, as well as several Gulf states and Jordan, to provide naval vessels or other forms of assistance for a mission to secure regional shipping routes.
However, the outlet noted that responses from potential partners have ranged from “skepticism to ‘hell no’.” Germany, Italy, and Japan have reportedly ruled out sending naval ships, while France has remained noncommittal. Sources told Axios that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was described as “forward-leaning,” with London drafting a proposal for a multinational task force.
Nonetheless, the roadmap has not been shared with all invited countries, and one European diplomat described the negotiations as “a mess,” telling the outlet that “a lot of people are confused.”
Publicly, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said there was “no appetite” in the bloc to participate in the US-led coalition against Iran, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated “this is not our war, we have not started it.” Meanwhile, Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad future” if its European members refuse to take part.
As the Iran war continues with no clear end in sight, the Washington Post reported, citing sources, that Trump had received “very sobering briefings” indicating the Iranian leadership remains firmly in control of the country. The paper added that Trump was warned the government in Tehran could consolidate power rather than collapse.
“It wasn’t just predictable,” a WaPo source said. “It was predicted. He was told in advance.”