Trump ups pressure on allies over call for support in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. wants countries not involved in the U.S.- and Israel-led conflict to help guarantee safe passage for ships through the contested strait

By The Foreign Desk Staff

Published: March 16, 2026 6:26am

President Donald Trump’s demand that allied countries send warships to help guarantee the safe passage of merchant ships and tankers through the contested Strait of Hurmuz is drawing a lukewarm response.

Trump over the weekend urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the U.K. to send parts of their naval fleet to the Persian Gulf to assure that Iran cannot threaten them as they pass through the 13-mile-wide strait, a key artery in the global energy supply network.

But so far, no country has concretely agreed to participate in the initiative.

To add pressure on countries to take strong steps to keep the strait open, Trump has said he was considering delaying or even cancelling the much anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump has also warned that there would be a “very bad” future for members of NATO if they do not help in the plan.

For their part, France and Italy say they are spearheading efforts for a negotiated settlement to secure passage to the strait.