President Donald Trump is taking an unusual approach to coalition-building: asking allies for support after military action against Iran has already begun. Traditionally, Washington assembles partners before launching a fraught campaign. For Trump, action comes first — and now the administration is scrambling to ensure that global powers back its efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
A Bold Call to NATO
Speaking to the Financial Times over the weekend, Trump framed his request bluntly. “We have a thing called NATO. We’ve been very sweet,” he said, pointing to America’s support for Europe, particularly in backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. “Now we’ll see if they help us,” he added, signaling that European cooperation on the Strait would test transatlantic solidarity.
He stressed that nations benefiting from the Strait’s operations should help secure it. “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there,” Trump said. He warned that refusal could have serious consequences: “If there’s no response or if it’s a negative response, I think it will be very bad for the future of NATO.”
Europe Responds With Caution
European capitals have responded coolly. Some countries have flatly declined participation in what is widely seen as a U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran. Others, like the U.K., are weighing their options carefully.
European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas offered a tentative path forward. “It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side,” she said. Kallas even suggested a plan modeled on Ukraine’s “Black Sea Initiative,” which helped limit Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. But her coordination with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres signals that progress may be slow.
Middle East: Own Your Security
Trump has also leaned on countries in Iran’s neighborhood to shoulder more responsibility. On Air Force One, he told reporters, “I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their own territory,” referencing nations including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Cyprus, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
While these nations reportedly support the goal of reducing Iran’s power-projection, most are content maintaining defensive positions rather than joining proactive operations.
Asian Allies and Adversaries Weigh In
Trump’s requests extend to Asia as well. Japan cited “high hurdles” in its pacifist constitution. South Korea said it would “closely coordinate and carefully review” the request. Even China, involved in anti-piracy operations in the region, indicated that participation would require discussion at a summit between Trump and President Xi Jinping.
Market Jitters and Strategic Missteps
Reports in the press suggest the Trump administration “did not plan for the possibility of Iran closing the strait in response to strikes,” according to CNN. Analysts, however, argue it is unlikely officials overlooked Iran’s capabilities. Nevertheless, disruptions to shipping and energy markets have been significant, adding urgency to the administration’s diplomacy.
Officials have tried to reassure markets, explaining that the Strait cannot be unblocked until Iran’s coastal power-projection is neutralized. Yet volatility continues to pressure Washington for faster action.
Iran Maintains Limited Access
Meanwhile, Tehran asserts that the Strait remains mostly open. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS NOW, “As a matter of fact, the Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belong[ing] to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass.” He clarified that restrictions are driven more by insurance issues than by military capabilities.
A New Reality for Global Security
Trump’s outreach now has clear logic. Iran is no longer a latent threat; it is an active one, capable of influencing shipping lanes and regional stability. Containment — both commercial and military — requires multinational cooperation.
Consternation in capitals is understandable, particularly given past tensions between Europe and the Trump administration. But with the Strait of Hormuz at stake, nations must prioritize security over grievances. The conflict is no longer a U.S.-only concern; it is a global challenge with implications for commerce, energy, and military strategy alike.
The Stakes Are High
Whether allies like it or not, the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point for global security. Trump’s strategy may ruffle feathers, but it underscores a simple fact: in today’s interconnected world, no single nation can manage Iran’s threat alone. The sooner the international community recognizes this shared responsibility, the better for global stability — and for the markets watching every development with bated breath.
