US bid for Hormuz coalition falters as allies resist naval deployment

According to Axios, the United States called on European countries and other powers to form a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Responses from capitals ranged from skepticism to outright refusal. Despite US pressure, allies showed little appetite for joining a joint naval operation.

Sources cited by the outlet said Washington’s initiative has been poorly coordinated. A diplomatic source in Europe said, “This is a complete mess. Many people are struggling to understand what exactly is supposed to be done.”

Coalition list broad, participation limited

The White House sought to include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Gulf states and Jordan in the coalition. The US also reached out to Japan and South Korea.

The United Kingdom prepared a draft plan for potential participants. But responses from other countries fell short of expectations. Germany, Italy and Japan rejected the option of sending military vessels.

US President Donald Trump, following a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, said Paris was “8 out of 10” open to contributing. Trump also stated that the United Kingdom was willing to participate.

Divisions within Europe come into focus

A source speaking to Axios said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared more open to cooperation. The same source noted that Macron had not provided a definitive answer. A second source assessed, “Macron did not issue a definitive refusal, but under current conditions this effectively amounts to a no.”

According to Politico, disagreements over securing the Strait of Hormuz have pushed EU-US relations back toward a serious point of tension. Diplomatic sources in Europe said strategic misalignment between the sides is deepening.

NATO option unlikely in the near term

Four NATO diplomats told Politico they see little likelihood of a broad NATO mission in the Iran context. They noted that such a decision would require unanimous approval by all member states, which is difficult under current conditions.

The same sources added that no formal request has been made by Washington within the NATO framework. Axios had earlier reported that the Trump administration had accelerated efforts to build a coalition for the Strait of Hormuz. Trump asked seven countries dependent on Middle Eastern oil to send military vessels to ensure maritime security in the strait.

By contrast, The Telegraph reported that Starmer decided not to deploy British warships. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in remarks to ARD television that he viewed with “great skepticism” the idea of extending the EU’s Aspides naval mission to Hormuz.

Following military operations by the US and Israel, Iran moved to restrict ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Between 15% and 20% of global oil supply and more than 30% of liquefied natural gas transit through the route.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that all vessels must obtain permission from Tehran to pass. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi later said the strait remains open to countries other than the US and its allies.