Trump Struggles to Enlist Allies in Guarding Strait of Hormuz

Most U.S. allies have refused Trump's calls to send warships to protect merchant vessels in the critical oil shipping lane amid tensions with Iran.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:19pm

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President Trump expressed frustration that U.S. allies were not enthusiastic about sending warships to protect merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a sign of Washington's growing isolation as it tries to stabilize one of the world's most critical shipping lanes amid its war against Iran. Trump declined to name the 'numerous countries' he said had agreed to help, but was annoyed that most longtime allies were hesitant about joining his international police force.

Why it matters

Securing allies' help is as much a domestic economic need as it is international diplomacy for Trump, as the hostilities against Iran have led to a major disruption in global oil supply and a surge in prices. The diplomatic friction reflects the limits of Trump's influence at a moment when the global economy is absorbing one of the worst oil supply shocks in modern history.

The details

Several key allies, including France, Germany, the U.K., Italy, Spain, Australia and Japan, have publicly rebuffed Trump's calls for support, with some saying 'this is not our war.' Trump has threatened retaliation against reluctant allies, suggesting Congress could have a role, but has also sent mixed messages about how much allied help he actually needs.

  • The hostilities against Iran began on February 28, 2026.
  • The war has entered its third week with no clear end in sight.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is calling on allies to help guard the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with Iran.

Emmanuel Macron

The President of France who has formally rejected Trump's request, saying France will maintain a 'defensive and protective' posture focused on stability rather than escalation.

Boris Pistorius

The Foreign Minister of Germany who said 'this is not our war; we didn't start it.'

Keir Starmer

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who declined to commit British forces, saying the U.K. 'will not be drawn into the wider war.'

Adam Schiff

A Democratic Senator from California who expressed skepticism that China and other countries enlisted by Trump will actually escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“Why are we protecting countries that don't protect us?”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (latimes.com)

“This is not Europe's war, but Europe's interests are directly at stake.”

— Kaja Kallas, European Union's top diplomat (latimes.com)

“To keep the strait open, I have a very hard time believing that China and the other countries the president enlisted are really going to be escorting ships through the strait. That just really doesn't add up to me.”

— Adam Schiff, Democratic Senator from California (latimes.com)

What’s next

It is unclear how the European Union and other nations around the world will respond to Trump's pressure to assist in guarding the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict with Iran continues.

The takeaway

Trump's struggle to enlist allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz highlights the limits of his influence on the global stage, as the fallout from the conflict with Iran strains international relations and raises questions about the long-term stability of critical oil shipping lanes.