TRUMP URGES ALLIES TO TAKE ACTIVE ROLE IN SECURING STRAIT OF HORMUZUS

US President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to play a stronger role in protecting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, criticizing what he described as a lukewarm response from Western partners to a US-led effort to safeguard shipping through the critical waterway.
Trump made the call as several European governments, including the United Kingdom and France, ruled out launching a NATO-led mission to reopen the strait. Iran had closed the waterway amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, following US and Israeli military actions launched on February 28. The strait is a vital chokepoint, carrying roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil supply, making it central to global energy security.
The heightened tensions and repeated missile and drone attacks by Iran on vessels and regional infrastructure have already sent global oil prices soaring between 40% and 50%, intensifying international concerns over energy markets.
Trump expressed disappointment over the limited allied response to Washington’s request for naval deployments to escort oil tankers. While he said he expects the United Kingdom and France to eventually participate, he noted their involvement might lack full enthusiasm. “We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us and get involved quickly and with great enthusiasm. The level of enthusiasm matters to me,” he said during a White House briefing.
Several NATO members and Western partners, however, have distanced themselves from the proposal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that London is working with allies on what he called a “viable” plan to reopen the strait but explicitly ruled out a NATO-led military operation.
The call for broader international involvement comes amid mounting pressure on global energy supplies and concerns that continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz could further destabilize already volatile oil markets.