On Monday, President Trump criticized both China and U.S. allies for their lack of enthusiasm in cooperating to patrol the Strait of Hormuz and reopen this crucial oil trade route.
He mentioned that he has reached out to seven countries, asking them to send ships to help secure the narrow waterways during the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, as of now, there has been no positive response. Even a NATO ally has chosen to stay out of the situation.
It’s interesting, or perhaps a bit surprising, that there’s been this reluctance—considering that a significant portion of the oil flowing through the Strait is headed for Asia.
“They should be thanking us, and helping us,” he stated. “What really caught me off guard was their lack of enthusiasm.”
Since the war’s commencement, Iran has effectively closed off the Strait, which is responsible for transporting about 20% of the world’s oil supplies.
President Trump has called on allies to aid in securing this key passage, even as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that the route is “closed to Tehran’s enemies.”
China, which relies on this strait for 45% of its oil, has indicated it is in discussions with Iran regarding transport for its ships. Meanwhile, certain vessels from India, Pakistan, and Türkiye have been permitted to cross the blockade.
As Trump observed of the vital waterway, “Iran has always used it as an economic weapon, but it won’t have that option for much longer.” He also noted that many countries have assured him plans are in the making, though without providing specific names.
The public’s response has been tepid, particularly since Iran has maintained control over the strait and repeatedly targeted tankers and commercial ships trying to pass through.
This closure has significantly impacted oil prices, which have surged nearly 40% since the conflict began, reaching $102.27 per barrel for Brent crude and $94.36 for West Texas Intermediate crude as of Monday.
The primary consumers of oil transported through the Strait from Persian Gulf nations are:
- China – 38%
- India – 15%
- South Korea – 12%
- Japan – 11%
- EU – 4%
The U.S. only imports around 2.5% of its crude oil from Gulf countries.
Germany refuses to get involved
After Trump cautioned NATO about the dire consequences of inaction regarding the vital oil corridor, Stefan Cornelius, a spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stated that NATO would not get involved.
“This war has nothing to do with NATO. It’s not a NATO war,” he remarked.
Similarly, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius commented that there’s nothing Europe could add that the U.S. Navy doesn’t already provide. “Can we expect a few European frigates to accomplish anything in the Strait that the powerful U.S. Navy can’t?” he questioned.
“This is not our war; we did not instigate it,” he emphasized.
Italy avoids Strait of Hormuz
Italian officials have also shown reluctance to engage in the situation, citing ongoing attacks on foreign vessels by Iranian drones and missiles.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani indicated that while the country would support naval reinforcements in the Red Sea, any mission in the Strait of Hormuz was out of the question. “I don’t believe these missions can be expanded to the Strait, especially since they are meant for counter-piracy and defense,” he explained.
Japan has not made a decision yet
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, when asked for direct assistance, expressed caution regarding maritime operations ahead of a meeting with Trump later this week. “We haven’t made any decisions on deploying destroyers. We’re still evaluating what Japan can do independently and within legal parameters,” she shared.
Despite this, analysts believe Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force isn’t structured for such far-reaching missions.
Britain says NATO is not to blame
In talks with Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to reopen the Strait to “ensure market stability,” noting that rising oil prices were a concern. He stated, “We are coordinating with all our allies, including European partners, to formulate a feasible plan that restores navigational freedom as swiftly as possible.”
However, Starmer clarified that securing the Strait isn’t “an easy task” and isn’t NATO’s responsibility. “It was never meant to be a NATO operation,” he reiterated, stressing the need for a coalition of partners.
France does not deploy warships
The French government confirmed it wouldn’t send ships to the area, reaffirming that its mission in the Middle East is purely defensive. Trump remarked about French President Emmanuel Macron, “On a scale of 0 to 10, I’d say it’s about an 8. It’s not perfect, but this is France.” He added, “We really don’t need anyone; we are the strongest nation in the world.”
South Korea is hesitant to participate
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s office released a statement saying they would stay in close contact with the U.S. but had not committed to any actions in the Strait of Hormuz. They stressed that while securing the strait is crucial, any decision to engage in the war must be approached with “extreme caution.”
China remains silent on the Strait of Hormuz
Trump mentioned he reached out to China about this matter, but Beijing has not yet responded to his request for assistance. In a daily briefing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated calls for a quick ceasefire involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel, but did not comment specifically on the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, Trump announced on Monday that he requested a one-month postponement of the U.S.-China summit planned for late March, as he felt it necessary to remain in the White House to oversee operations in Iran.
Talking with India and Iran for safe navigation
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated on Monday that it is not negotiating naval deployment efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, New Delhi is in discussions with Iran concerning the release of three tankers that Iran seized in February, which would grant India safe passage through the strait. Several Indian vessels have successfully navigated the passage since the war began, and there has been dialogue about a potential deal.
