Major global powers are dragging their feet in response to President Donald Trump’s call to form a multinational naval coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway that Iran has violently blockaded since launching retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli actions. Trump posted on Truth Social urging the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea, and others to dispatch warships to the region, but formal commitments have failed to materialize. The international community appears deeply reluctant to position its navies within range of Iranian military strikes.
Iran’s closure of the strait — carried out in retaliation for airstrikes — has created an energy and trade emergency of historic proportions. Sixteen tankers have been attacked since the war began in late February, and Tehran has issued explicit warnings that tankers bound for American, Israeli, or allied ports will be immediately destroyed. The threat of explosive mines being laid across the waterway has added yet another layer of danger to any potential naval operation in the region.
Each country approached Trump’s request differently, but none offered concrete military support. France was clearest in its refusal, with Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin stating that sending vessels to the strait was out of the question during an active escalation phase. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier suggested a “purely defensive” escort mission was being planned, but only for after the most intense phase of conflict ended. The UK offered the possibility of mine-hunting drones, while Japan cited a “very high” threshold for naval deployment. South Korea said it was carefully reviewing how to help secure its vital energy supply routes.
The standoff is reshaping global energy markets in real time. With one-fifth of the planet’s oil exports blocked, prices have surged and economies heavily dependent on Gulf crude — including Japan, South Korea, and China — are feeling the impact acutely. EU foreign ministers are weighing whether to expand the Aspides mission from Yemen to the Hormuz strait, though Germany’s foreign minister was openly sceptical, saying the existing mission had not proven sufficiently effective.
Washington is also looking to Beijing to play a diplomatic role, with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressing hope that China would become a constructive partner in resolving the crisis. China, which imports enormous quantities of Gulf oil, is reportedly engaged in talks with Tehran about allowing cargo vessels to pass. The Chinese embassy’s statement emphasised communication, de-escalation, and peace restoration — making no reference to military action of any kind.