Donald Trump’s efforts to get help securing the Strait of Hormuz have been met with overwhelming skepticism, reports claim.
US efforts to create an international coalition to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have turned into a “Mess” That’s because Washington’s partners are reluctant to provide aid, Axios reported Monday, citing sources.
The flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted due to the US-Israeli attack on Iran and counter-attacks by Tehran. The de facto shutdown of one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints has sent shockwaves through global oil markets, with Brent crude trading above $100 a barrel at times.
According to Axios, the administration of US President Donald Trump is 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 ships or other types of support for the mission to secure regional shipping routes.
However, the outlet said reactions from potential partners varied. “Skepticism ’til hell no”. Germany, Italy and Japan have reportedly refused to send naval ships, while France remains non-committal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was described as “to stoop,” Sources told Axios that London is drafting a proposal for a multinational task force.
However, the roadmap has not been shared with all the countries invited, and a European diplomat described the talks as “Mess,” telling the outlet this “A lot of people are confused.”
Publicly, the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas said there was “No appetite” to participate in the US-led coalition against Iran, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that “This is not our war, we did not start it.” Meanwhile, Trump warned that NATO may have to face “Very bad future” If its European members refuse to participate.
As the Iran war continues with no clear end in sight, the Washington Post, citing sources, reported that Trump had received this information “Very serious briefing” The Iranian leadership remains firmly in control of the country. The newspaper said Trump was warned that the government in Tehran could consolidate power rather than fall.
“It just wasn’t predictable,” a WaPo source said. “It was predicted. They were told in advance.”
