Multiple Countries Decline to Participate in Hormuz Strait Escort Mission; Trump Complains Allies "Not Helping"

Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been nearly completely halted. U.S. President Trump plans to announce the formation of a so-called “Hormuz Alliance,” aiming to control the Strait of Hormuz and pressure European, Asian, and Gulf countries to send warships to participate.

However, so far, many countries have taken a cautious stance or outright refused, with no country publicly responding to the U.S. call.

U.S. Calls for Escorting Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz

Trump Complains Allies Are Not Helping

On March 16, local time, President Trump at a White House event again called on other countries to assist in ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, complaining that some allies are not enthusiastic about supporting the U.S.

Trump said, “Some countries are very active, others less so. Some of these countries we have helped for many years, even protected them from terrible external threats, but their enthusiasm is not high.”

According to Trump, some countries are willing to help, but he did not specify which ones.

Pressuring NATO Allies to Help Ensure Free Passage Through the Strait of Hormuz

On March 15, Trump again pressured European countries in a phone interview, urging them to join U.S. efforts to ensure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Europe is a major beneficiary of shipping through the Strait and “should help ensure that nothing untoward happens there.” If allies respond “no” or “negatively” to the U.S. request, “I believe this will be extremely detrimental to NATO’s future.”

Trump also said that the U.S. previously provided assistance to NATO on Ukraine issues, and now “we will see if they will help us.” He added that NATO has long been a “one-way street,” meaning the U.S. supports allies, but allies may not come to the aid when needed.

Limited Responses

U.S. Allies Respond Coldly

EU: Middle East Conflict “Not Europe’s War”

On March 16, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told the media in Brussels that “this is not Europe’s war.” She also stated that EU member states have no intention of expanding the current “Shield” maritime escort operation to the Strait of Hormuz.

Borrell emphasized that the EU is currently focused on shipping safety in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

German Chancellor: Will Not Participate in Hormuz Strait Escort

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on March 16 said Germany will not participate in military operations to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that NATO is a “defense alliance,” not an “intervention alliance.”

Scholz, during a meeting in Berlin with visiting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, said that the Iran conflict is not a NATO matter. He also stated that so far, no feasible plan has been seen to make such actions successful.

Earlier that day, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also said Germany is willing to support the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz via diplomatic means, but will not participate militarily in any form.

UK: Restoring Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “Not an Easy Task”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on March 16 said that restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz “is not an easy task,” and that the UK is working with allies to develop feasible plans to restore free passage. Sunak also responded to Trump’s remarks, stating that “the Strait of Hormuz is not NATO’s task, and the UK will not be drawn into a broader (Middle East) war.”

He added that the current tense situation in the Middle East and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a major energy transit route mean that shipping safety is crucial for global energy markets and trade stability. He said restoring normal navigation “is not a simple task” and requires coordination among all parties.

Australia: Will Not Send Navy Ships to the Strait of Hormuz

Australian government officials on March 16 stated that Australia will not send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Catherine King, Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said in an interview that Australia is fully prepared for the “economic crisis” caused by the Middle East conflict and stated, “We will not send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.”

Korean Civil Groups Oppose Sending Troops to the Strait of Hormuz

Several Korean civic groups recently expressed opposition publicly. The civilian group “Participatory Link” stated that U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran are “illegal acts of aggression” violating international law. If Korea participates in related military actions, it would violate the constitutional principle of denying aggressive wars and is unrelated to the obligations under the Korea-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty. The group warned that Korea could face retaliation from Iran if involved in the conflict.

The Korea Democratic Labor Union also issued a statement, saying that deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz could entangle Korea in U.S. military strategies. The civilian organization “Citizens’ Peace Forum” pointed out that deploying Cheonghae Unit to conflict zones outside the Gulf of Aden, especially participating in joint U.S. military operations, has exceeded the initial authorization scope of the National Assembly.

Additionally, major Korean media strongly advised the government to exercise caution.

U.S. Oil Companies Urge Restoring Strait Shipping to Stabilize Oil Prices

U.S. Government Response: Passive

Several multinational U.S. oil company executives recently met with U.S. government officials, warning that continued disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could lead to further increases in international oil prices, causing volatility in the global energy market and economic pressure worldwide. U.S. officials stated, “There is currently little that can be done.”

According to U.S. sources, the government held a series of meetings involving Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, and several oil executives to discuss the economic impact of the current situation. These executives believe that the energy market is affected by regional tensions, and since U.S. oil production is unlikely to increase significantly in the short term, the only way to address market turbulence is to restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods warned that market volatility could lead to higher oil prices and supply shortages. Chevron and ConocoPhillips executives also expressed concerns about current supply disruptions.

An unnamed senior government official said, “The U.S. government knows oil prices will continue to rise, but there is little that can be done right now.”

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth previously stated that the market is “full of volatility and uncertainty, making predictions difficult.”

Iran: Never Requested Ceasefire or Negotiations

On March 16, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that “Iran has never requested a ceasefire from the U.S., nor has it requested negotiations.” Iran will continue to defend itself until President Trump recognizes that this is an “illegitimate war that cannot be won.”

Abdollahian said that the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran must end with guarantees that “aggression” will not happen again, and that they have “learned their lesson,” realizing they face a country willing to defend itself and prepared to continue the war.

Iranian President: Talking About Ending the War Is Meaningless Until Iran Is No Longer Attacked

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on March 16 said Iran did not initiate this brutal war. Defending against invasion is Iran’s inherent right, and this is what Iran excels at. Using U.S. military bases in the region to confront Iran and attempting to undermine Iran’s relations with neighboring countries must stop. Ignoring Israel and U.S. aggression against Iran makes regional peace and stability impossible. “Iran will never submit to bullies.”

Raisi called for the international community to condemn this aggression and persuade aggressors to respect international law. “Talking about ending the war is meaningless until Iran’s territory is no longer under attack.”