Allies Hesitate as Trump Pushes for Coalition to Reopen Strategic Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing resistance from key allies after urging several nations to deploy naval forces to help secure the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran.

The White House has called for a multinational maritime coalition to escort commercial vessels through the narrow Gulf shipping lane, a move Washington argues is necessary to stabilize global energy supplies. 

However, major partners such as Japan and Australia said on Monday that they are not planning to send naval ships to the region, highlighting divisions among U.S. allies over how to respond to the crisis. 

Japan’s government indicated it is still assessing the situation but has no immediate plans to deploy escort vessels, citing legal and constitutional constraints that limit overseas military operations.

Australia similarly stated it had not received a formal request requiring such deployment and therefore had no plans to join a naval escort mission.

Trump has reportedly approached about seven countries—including China, France, Britain, Japan and South Korea—asking them to participate in securing the waterway. 

He argued that nations heavily dependent on Gulf energy supplies should take responsibility for protecting the shipping route. 

According to Reuters, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One: “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory, it’s the place from which they get their energy.”