Trump Calls for Escort Through Strait of Hormuz, Multiple Parties Put "A Question Mark"

Trump Calls for Escort Mission in the Strait of Hormuz; Multiple Parties Question the Approach

Ocean

On the 15th, U.S. President Trump pressured NATO allies, claiming that if NATO cannot assist in ensuring the normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz, there will be “very bad” consequences. The Trump administration previously called for multiple countries to participate in escort operations, but so far, public responses have been scarce.

According to U.S. media, the White House plans to announce the formation of a so-called Hormuz Strait Escort Alliance in the coming days.

【Threatening NATO】

On the 15th, Trump gave an eight-minute phone interview with the Financial Times, during which he issued a “firm message” to European countries regarding involvement in military actions against Iran. He stated that Europe is a major beneficiary of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and should help ensure “nothing happens there.” If Europe does not respond or responds negatively, “I think that will be very bad for NATO’s future.”

Trump demanded all necessary assistance from the U.S. side. He also specifically requested allies to send minesweepers and hoped Europe would deploy drones and water mines.

In Trump’s view, the U.S. did not have to help Ukraine, which is thousands of kilometers from the U.S. mainland, in the Russia-Ukraine conflict—only because NATO, a military alliance, exists. “Now we need to see if they help us,” he said. He also mentioned that he has long said NATO is a “one-way street,” meaning the U.S. supports its allies, but allies may not come to help when the U.S. needs it.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has almost completely halted. Later on the evening of the 15th, Trump reiterated to media reporters that about seven countries are interested in participating in escort missions, but he did not disclose specific details.

【Few Responders】

According to the Financial Times, Trump spoke with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the 15th and was particularly frustrated with the response from the UK. He said the UK is often seen as America’s “number one ally” and “longest-standing partner,” but when the U.S. made requests, the UK was “unwilling to come.” Additionally, the New York Times reported that UK Energy Security and Net Zero Minister Ed Miliband said on the 15th that the UK government is exploring “all options” for navigation and is discussing related matters with allies, but Miliband did not disclose details.

Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Policy Investigation Chairman Koichi Hagiwara also said on the same day that the issue might be discussed when Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meets Trump in Washington on the 19th. The South Korean presidential office only stated that they “will maintain close communication with the U.S.,” but made no commitments. France has not yet publicly responded.

Australian Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King said on the 16th that Australia will not send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed skepticism on the 15th about the EU expanding escort operations to the Strait of Hormuz, believing Germany does not need to participate. Baerbock also said that Germany has asked the U.S. and Israel to share information and clearly specify what additional targets exist for military actions against Iran, “then we will discuss how to end this war together.”

According to U.S. officials familiar with the matter, some countries have agreed to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, many countries, citing the risks involved, have not made public commitments and prefer to wait until the conflict subsides before intervening. The White House may announce the formation of the so-called escort alliance as early as this week, with timing possibly influenced by battlefield developments. Currently, the U.S. and some countries are still debating whether to start escort operations before or after the conflict ends.

【Facing Dilemmas】

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration faces dilemmas in its military actions against Iran, including increasing regional instability, a global energy crisis, and negative domestic political consequences—all of which demonstrate that these issues cannot be solved solely through bombing. Data from the American Automobile Association shows that on the 15th, U.S. average gasoline prices surged 26% compared to a month earlier, and diesel prices rose 36% in the same period. Within the Republican camp, some want the conflict to end immediately, while others advocate continuing attacks on Iran.

Some U.S. officials and analysts believe the Trump administration currently has three “imperfect options”: first, withdraw from the conflict to prevent escalation, but this could strengthen hardline forces in Iran; second, continue military actions to further weaken Iran’s military capabilities, risking more U.S. casualties and higher energy prices; third, pause bombing and shift to periodic military strikes against Iran, which could lead to an endless cycle of war.

On the evening of the 15th, Trump told reporters that Iran is eager to negotiate, and his claim that Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian never requested negotiations is “false news.”

Earlier that day, Amir-Abdollahian told U.S. media that Iran “has never requested a ceasefire, nor has it ever asked for negotiations,” and “is prepared to defend itself at all costs.” He said that after the failure of negotiations with the U.S., “we see no reason to talk to Americans.”