President Donald Trump expressed frustration on Monday regarding the reluctance of several countries to join a coalition aimed at escorting oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. At a press conference, Trump stated, “Some are very enthusiastic, and some are less than enthusiastic. I assume some will not do it… we have one or two that will not do it that we’ve been protecting for about 40 years at tens of billions of dollars.”
The U.S. President has been urging allies to deploy military forces to ensure the smooth flow of oil exports through the Strait, especially as Iranian attacks have significantly diminished tanker traffic. This disruption has resulted in a historic oil supply crisis, driving crude prices up by approximately 40% since recent U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran.
While Trump refrained from naming specific countries ready to participate in the coalition, he mentioned that the White House would soon release a list of those committed to the mission. “Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way,” he noted. However, he described the United Kingdom’s response as particularly tepid; British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shown hesitation about sending two aircraft carriers to the region at the request of the U.S. “He didn’t really want to do it,” Trump remarked, adding, “I was not happy with the U.K. I think they’ll be involved, but they should be involved enthusiastically.”
In a contrasting statement, Starmer said the U.K. is collaborating with allies to restore freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. At a press conference, he emphasized, “Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to restore stability in the market — that is not a simple task.”
Trump also mentioned discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding escorting tankers. “I think he’s going to help,” Trump stated, referring to his conversation with Macron the previous day. Macron, affirming the urgency of the situation, highlighted on social media that freedom of navigation in the Strait “must be restored as soon as possible.” France has positioned an aircraft carrier strike group in the Eastern Mediterranean, although its role is currently defensive.
On the German front, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Berlin’s decision not to engage in any naval efforts in the Persian Gulf. He indicated that the U.S. and Israel did not consult Germany prior to the conflict, emphasizing, “We will not participate in the Strait of Hormuz with military assets to guarantee freedom of navigation.”
Further afield, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi clarified that Japan currently has no plans to dispatch forces for tanker escort. Takaichi told parliament, “No decision has been made whatsoever regarding the dispatch of escort vessels,” signaling ongoing legal and diplomatic evaluations of Japan’s involvement.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright commented on the current readiness of U.S. naval forces, stating, “It’ll happen relatively soon, but it can’t happen now. We’re simply not ready.” He explained that U.S. military resources are currently focused on countering Iran’s offensive capabilities.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the global oil market watches closely, with potential repercussions for supply stability and energy prices.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/16/strait-of-hormuz-trump-says-coalition-to-protect-oil-tankers-not-ready-yet.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-17 01:06:00
