March 17, 2026—As the US-Israel-Iran war impacted oil markets and a key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump called on other countries for help. Here’s what they had to say.
Near Closure
The narrow strait, which runs between Iran and the United Arab Emirates and Oman, reflected “a highly constrained operating environment, with vessel movements remaining selective and below average,” Marine Traffic reported on Monday. Geopolitics kept the strait nearly closed on Monday.
Many ships remained anchored in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Reports indicated a continued uneven pattern of traffic, with ongoing attacks against some ships, while “sanctioned and shadow-fleet vessels supporting alternative trade flows” transferred through.
On Monday, Trump vented his frustration to reporters that NATO allies and China, a key U.S. competitor, were not assisting. He has asked allies and adversaries for help securing the shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz, saying “whatever it takes” including minesweepers.
At the same event, he said, “We don’t need anybody. We’re the strongest nation in the world. We have the strongest military by far in the world.”
Responses
Here’s what world leaders had to say in response to the pressure.
China’s Foreign Ministry Lin Jian: “The recent tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby has impacted the route for international goods and energy trade, disrupting peace and stability in the region and beyond. China once again calls on parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the tense situation and prevent regional turmoil from further impacting the global economy.”
French President Emmanuel Macron : “We are not party to the conflict and therefore France will never take part in operations to open or liberate the Strait of Hormuz in the current context,” Macron said during a cabinet meeting. He added that once the “situation has calmed down,” France would “assume responsibility” for escorting tankers and commercial ships through the strait.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: ““The United States and Israel did not consult us before this war. There was never a joint decision regarding Iran…. Therefore, the question of how Germany will contribute militarily does not arise. We will not.”
Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius: “This is not our war; we did not start it.” Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ruled out immediate plans to send naval forces, telling the parliament on Monday “No decision has been made whatsoever regarding the dispatch of escort vessels.”
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ruled out immediate plans to send naval forces, telling the parliament on Monday “No decision has been made whatsoever regarding the dispatch of escort vessels.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “I want to see an end to this war as soon as possible because the longer it goes on, the more dangerous the situation becomes and the worst it is for the cost of living. We have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the market.” Britain is working with European allies on a post-conflict navigation plan.
South Korea’s Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back: “No plans” to send warships at this time and doing so would require parliamentary approval.
That leaves Gulf states as possible participants. The UAE, for example, might take part in a U.S.-led international mission, according to Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser to UAE’s president.
NATO Not Obligated
It’s noteworthy that NATO’s Article 5 does not bind members to take part in conflicts in the Middle East, especially pre-emptive strikes by a member.
Sidelining the US and Israel
Meanwhile, countries are talking among themselves about how to handle shipping once the US-Israel-Iran war ends. They are sidelining the United States and Israel. A French official told Reuters:
“We are dissociating our actions from the United States and Israeli operations. The US is conducting an operation in which we’re not involved in any way. We are acting independently of the Americans…. We’re excluding any involvement of our assets in an attempt to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force. Any potential mission to protect the Strait of Hormuz would require a ceasefire or a reduction in hostilities, as well as prior negotiations with Iran. It would necessarily be international and joint.”
Sources:
Marine Traffic: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/maritime-news/34/risk-and%20compliance/2026/12775/strait-of-hormuz-daily-maritime-risk-and-transit-monitor-mar
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/france-will-never-take-part-operations-unblock-hormuz-strait-amid-hostilities-2026-03-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/03/16/japan/politics/japan-takaichi-no-warships-middle-east/
DevDiscourse: https://www.devdiscourse.com
