Trump Urges Help in Hormuz, Allies Decline

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian forces intensified attacks on shipping routes during the ongoing war between Iran and the United States and Israel.

The conflict, now in its third week, has severely disrupted tanker traffic through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

The crisis began after the United States and Israel launched an extensive bombing campaign against Iran on Feb. 28, targeting thousands of sites across the country. Since then, tanker traffic through the strait has been largely halted, triggering fears in global energy markets.

Brent crude prices climbed more than 1%, rising above $104.50 per barrel as investors reacted cautiously to the growing risks facing Middle Eastern oil facilities.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said countries heavily dependent on Gulf energy should help ensure the waterway remains open.

“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory,” Trump said, adding that it is the region “from which they get their energy.”

Trump also said his administration had contacted seven countries about participating in the effort but declined to identify them. In a social media post, he said he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain would take part.

Japan signaled caution in responding to the U.S. request. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo had not made any decision about dispatching escort vessels to the Middle East.

“We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships,” Takaichi told parliament, adding that Japan was reviewing what actions could be taken within the country’s legal framework.

Australia also ruled out sending warships to the region. Catherine King, a minister in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, said Canberra had neither been asked to contribute nor planned to deploy naval assets.

“We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’re contributing to,” King said in an interview with the national broadcaster.

European Union foreign ministers are expected to discuss strengthening the bloc’s small naval mission in the Middle East, though officials say expanding its mandate to the Strait of Hormuz is not currently under consideration.

The EU mission, known as Aspides, was established in 2024 to protect shipping from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi fighters in the Red Sea.

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, expressed skepticism about extending the operation to the Strait of Hormuz.

“Aspides is not even fully effective in carrying out its current task,” Wadephul said in an interview with German television, adding that expanding it would not necessarily improve security.

Trump also called on China to help reopen the strait, arguing that Beijing depends heavily on oil shipments passing through the waterway.

“I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the straits,” Trump said, adding that he could delay a planned visit to Beijing if China did not assist.

At the same time, Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if European allies failed to support Washington’s efforts to secure the region.

The war has also disrupted air travel across the Middle East. Major aviation hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have seen flight cancellations and severe restrictions, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Authorities in Dubai said a drone strike hit a fuel tank near the airport, causing a fire and temporarily halting flights. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 34 drones in its eastern region within one hour.

While U.S. officials predict the conflict could end within weeks, Iranian authorities say the country remains “stable and strong” and ready to defend itself for as long as necessary.