Trump’s call for allied deployment to strait of Hormuz meets muted response

March 15, 2026

TL;DR

President Trump urged the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea, and other nations to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is described as the world's busiest shipping route and is allegedly being blockaded by Iran.
Iran has threatened to destroy oil tankers heading to the US, Israel, or its allies, and has attacked 16 tankers since late February.
The UK is discussing options with allies and considering mine-hunting drones.
Japan is cautiously considering sending warships but has a high threshold for doing so.
South Korea is monitoring the situation and consulting with the US.
France has stated it will not send warships while the conflict escalates and is preparing a 'purely defensive' escort mission for later.
The EU is considering widening the scope of its Aspides naval mission to include the Strait of Hormuz, though Germany expressed skepticism about its effectiveness.
China, an ally of Iran, is reportedly in talks with Tehran about oil tanker passage and stated it will work to deescalate the situation.

Continue reading the original article