WASHINGTON/DUBAI — U.S. President Donald Trump has called on China and key American allies to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the Middle East, but governments around the world have so far stopped short of committing military support.
The appeal comes amid the intensifying tensions in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis erupted after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliation from Tehran and threats to close the narrow maritime corridor through which a large share of the world’s oil flows.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
Roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making any disruption there a major threat to the global economy.
Since late February, the conflict surrounding Iran has sharply escalated.
Iranian forces have launched missile and drone attacks in the region while threatening commercial vessels linked to the United States and its allies, effectively halting large volumes of shipping traffic through the strait.
Insurance costs for vessels operating in the area have surged, and several merchant ships have been damaged in attacks, prompting global shipping companies to avoid the route.
Trump calls for an international naval coalition
Facing mounting pressure to reopen the waterway, Trump has urged countries that depend heavily on Middle Eastern oil to contribute naval assets to secure the strait.
The U.S. president specifically mentioned China, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and South Korea, arguing that nations benefiting from the energy corridor should help keep it open.
Trump suggested allies could deploy minesweepers, naval escorts, and air-defense systems to protect tankers and commercial ships from drones, naval mines, and other threats.
Trump said countries that rely on oil shipments through the strait should take responsibility for its security.
“If there’s no response… it will be very bad for the future of NATO,” he warned, signaling growing frustration with the lack of firm commitments from partners.
US President Donald Trump has demanded that other countries should step in to secure the Strait of Hormuz as the Iran war continues.“Why are we maintaining the Hormuz Strait when it’s really there for China and many other countries?” bloom.bg/3N7WTI6
Pressure on China
A key target of Trump’s diplomatic push is China, the world’s largest importer of crude oil and a major consumer of energy transported through the Gulf.
Trump has publicly questioned why Beijing has not taken a stronger role in securing the shipping route, even suggesting that a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping could be delayed until China clarifies its position.
Beijing has responded cautiously, emphasizing the need for dialogue and stability while avoiding any commitment to join a U.S.-led naval mission.
Allies remain cautious
Despite Washington’s appeals, many allied governments appear reluctant to become directly involved in the escalating conflict with Iran.
Countries such as Japan and Australia have indicated they are not planning to immediately send ships to the area, while European states are still weighing their options.
Analysts say the hesitation reflects fears that a large international naval deployment could further escalate the confrontation with Iran and widen the war across the Middle East.
Some countries are also wary of becoming entangled in a conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
BREAKING: Australia says it will not send warships to Strait of Hormuz🔴 LIVE updates: aje.news/s2q1rc?update=…
Rising global economic stakes
The crisis has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel amid fears that the shipping route could remain closed for weeks.
For now, the United States continues to patrol the region and has warned it may launch further strikes on Iranian military infrastructure if attacks on shipping persist.
But without a broader coalition to secure the waterway, the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz risks becoming one of the most consequential geopolitical flashpoints of the year, with implications for global trade, energy prices and international security.
