In the past two weeks, several cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked.
President Trump stated that the U.S. does not need help from other countries in its conflict with Iran—however, just days earlier, he had called on U.S. allies to assist in ensuring the security of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
He posted a heated message on the platform Truth Social, claiming that “most” NATO allies informed the U.S. that they were unwilling to intervene.
“However, I am not surprised by their actions, as I have always thought NATO… is a one-way street—we protect them, but they do nothing for us,” he wrote.
In his initial call on March 14, he stated: “I hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and other countries affected by these restrictions can send warships.”
Since the Israeli and U.S. strike on Iran on February 28, Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only a limited number of ships carrying Iranian oil to destinations like India and China.
During more than two weeks of conflict, several merchant ships in the Strait have been attacked by “unidentified projectiles,” resulting in at least one death.
About 20% of the world’s oil is transported through this area. Consequently, global oil prices have risen, and some Asian countries have implemented measures to conserve fuel.
In Trump’s post on Tuesday (March 17), he did not specify which NATO countries had offered assistance, but here’s what we know about some major member nations, along with positions expressed by China and others.
Britain
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated at a press conference on Monday (March 15) that they are discussing feasible options with the U.S., Europe, and Gulf nations, but “it is not time to make a decision yet.”
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, when asked by BBC whether drones or warships would be deployed, said: “Rest assured, any option that helps to reopen the Strait is being explored with our allies.”
While refusing to discuss operational details, he emphasized that “ending the conflict is the most reliable way to reopen the Strait.”
Germany
A spokesperson for the German government stated that the conflict with Iran “is not a NATO issue.” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius questioned: “What does Trump expect a few European frigates to accomplish when the powerful U.S. Navy cannot?”
He stressed, “This is not our war. We did not initiate it.”
France
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France is ready to participate in escort missions to assist container ships and oil tankers through the Strait once the situation is “relatively calm.”
He emphasized at a cabinet meeting on March 17 that any such mission “must be entirely independent of current fighting and bombing operations.”
“France has a clear and simple responsibility in the region: to protect its citizens and national interests, to be a trustworthy partner for all sides, and to promote de-escalation and stability,” he said.
Currently, France’s aircraft carrier strike group is deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean on a “defensive” mission.
China
When asked by reporters about whether China received a request to deploy warships and how it would respond, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated: “China again calls on all parties to immediately stop military actions, avoid further escalation of tensions, and prevent regional turmoil from having greater impacts on global economic development.”
Lin also stated that China is “maintaining communication with relevant parties regarding the current situation and is committed to promoting de-escalation.”
South Korea
The South Korean Foreign Ministry stated on Sunday that it is “closely monitoring” Trump’s related comments and noted that both countries will continue to “maintain close communication and make decisions after careful consideration.”
The department noted: “The South Korean government is closely observing relevant developments in the Middle East and is studying various measures to protect South Korean citizens and ensure the security of energy transport routes.”
South Korean Defense Minister An Gyeong-beom stated in Congress on Tuesday that to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, parliamentary approval is required.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Takashi Shima stated on Monday that she has not received any requests to deploy escort ships.
She pointed out: “The Japanese government is currently considering what necessary measures to take. Of course, everything must be conducted within the legal framework of Japan, but we are considering how to protect the lives of Japanese vessels and their crew and what actions can be taken.”
Shima is expected to meet with Trump in Washington on March 19.
European Union
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that currently there is “no willingness” to change the scope of its existing naval mission in the region.
“No one is willing to put their soldiers in danger in the Strait of Hormuz,” she said to Reuters, “We must find diplomatic ways to keep it open.”