NEW DELHI: Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Donald Trump has called for a multinational naval coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz and keep global oil shipments flowing. The appeal comes as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran drags into another tense phase, with energy markets already rattled by the possibility of disruptions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US has asked nations affected by disruptions in oil shipments through the strait to join a multinational effort to keep the waterway open. “They’ve not only committed, but they think it’s a great idea,” he said, referring to potential international participation in the security mission.
Trump also made a public appeal for coalition support in a post on Truth Social, stating that countries affected by Iran’s attempts to disrupt traffic in the waterway would send warships to assist the United States. “Many countries, especially those that are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” he wrote.
On the surface, the proposal sounds straightforward: countries that depend on oil passing through Hormuz should help protect it. Trump has suggested that major economies, including Japan, China, France, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, send naval vessels to patrol the waterway alongside American forces.
But the reality appears far less cooperative.
Japan has already indicated reluctance to join such a mission, slapping an almost immediate “no.” China, another major importer of Gulf oil, is widely expected to stay out of any US-led military coalition in the region. For many countries, participation would mean aligning militarily with Washington in a conflict that is rapidly escalating, something few are eager to do.
The appeal also carries a deeper contradiction. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States has devastated Iran’s military capabilities. Yet his call for international naval help underscores a different problem: it is as much an admission of America’s own degradation as the US is unable to protect the coastline alone.
Clearly, controlling a narrow, volatile maritime corridor against drones, missiles, mines and fast attack boats is far more complicated than conventional battlefield victories.
In effect, Trump is asking others to help secure the corridor.
That raises uncomfortable questions. The United States, which claims to have destroyed much of Iran’s conventional military power, still cannot confidently secure the coastline around the Strait of Hormuz.
Agencies
US unable to secure Hormuz alone, Trump seeks global help. Allies hesitate!
