Major News from the Strait of Hormuz! Multiple Countries Refuse to Participate, Trump Complains Allies "Won't Help"

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Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been nearly completely halted. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to announce the formation of a so-called “Hormuz Alliance,” aiming to control the Strait of Hormuz and pressure European, Asian, and Gulf countries to send warships to participate.

However, so far, many countries have taken a cautious stance or outright refused, with no country publicly responding to the U.S. call.

Trump Calls on Other Countries to Help Ensure Safe Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz

According to CCTV News, on March 16 local time, President Trump at a White House event once again called on other countries to assist in ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, complaining that some allies are not enthusiastic about supporting the U.S.

Trump said, “Some countries are very active, others less so. Some of these countries we have helped for many years and protected from terrible external threats, but their enthusiasm is not high.”

According to Trump, some countries are willing to help, but he did not specify which ones.

Trump also said it is currently unclear whether Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military has sunk more than 100 Iranian naval vessels, including all 30 of Iran’s mine-laying ships.

Multiple Countries Say They Will Not Participate in Escorting Ships Through the Strait of Hormuz

EU: Middle East Conflict “Not Europe’s War”

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in Brussels on March 16 that “this is not Europe’s war.” He also stated that EU member states have no intention of expanding the current “Shield” maritime escort operation to the Strait of Hormuz.

Borrell emphasized that the EU is currently focusing on shipping safety in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, and stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the regional situation.

Germany: US-Israel-Iran Conflict Unrelated to NATO, No Participation in Strait of Hormuz Escort

German government spokesperson Steffen Seibert said at a routine press conference in Berlin on March 16 that the US-Israel-Iran conflict is unrelated to NATO.

Seibert stated that the German government has noted President Trump’s comments regarding NATO and has coordinated with allies over the weekend. Germany will not participate in military actions against Iran, nor will it take any military measures to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

UK Prime Minister: UK Will Not Be Drawn Into Larger Middle East Conflict

On March 16, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a speech outside 10 Downing Street that the UK will not be drawn into a larger war in the Middle East.

Sunak also stated that the current tense situation in the Middle East and the importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a key energy transit route mean that shipping safety is crucial for the international energy market and global trade stability. He said restoring normal navigation through the strait “is not a simple task” and requires coordination among all parties.

Sunak said the UK is consulting with relevant countries and allies to develop a feasible plan to restore freedom of navigation in the region, but this is not a NATO mission.

Spain: Not Considering Participation in EU-Proposed Strait of Hormuz Escort Operation

On March 16, Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles ruled out Spain’s participation in the EU-led potential operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal was made by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to keep the strait open.

Robles stated that Spain has coordinated with France and other EU member states on deploying the Cyprus defense mission, and therefore is not considering participating in a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz. She explained that Spain wants to end the war as soon as possible because it is pointless, violates international law, and has caused many deaths.

Italy Rejects Participation in Military Operations in the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s current focus is on strengthening EU escort operations in the Red Sea, as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is clearly more complex, implying further involvement in the conflict.

Meloni emphasized that freedom of navigation is vital for Italy, but military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz objectively means moving further toward involvement in the conflict. Italian media interpreted her statement as a rejection of participating in military actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Belgian Prime Minister: Will Not Participate in US Military Action in the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated that the Belgian government’s position is that Belgium will not participate in the US military operation in the Strait of Hormuz. He said Belgium would consider such involvement only if NATO or bilateral requests are made, for example, requests from Saudi Arabia or the UAE.

Portuguese Foreign Minister: Supports Political Means to Ensure Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, Portuguese Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho said Portugal “neither has nor will get involved” in the current Middle East conflict, and supports using political and diplomatic means to facilitate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

(Original source: Securities Times)