Trump's Hormuz escort plea draws no commitments from allies
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- Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and others to send warships to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz so it is no longer 'a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated,' but no country has made any commitments in response.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed Trump's call outright, with spokesman Brig-Gen Ali Mohammad Naini challenging: 'Didn't Trump say that Iran's navy has been destroyed? If so, let him send his ships into the Persian Gulf if he dares.'
- Crude oil prices are hovering at about $100 a barrel, with approximately 1,000 oil tankers stranded and unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil exports normally flow.
- At least 10 oil tankers have been hit, targeted, or have reported attacks since the conflict started on February 28, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, the International Maritime Organization, and Iraqi and Iranian authorities.
- India secured safe passage for two Indian-flagged gas tankers through the strait on Saturday after direct negotiations with Tehran, per Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who said his 'talking has yielded some results' and the talks are ongoing.
- China and Germany distanced themselves: China's embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said all parties must ensure stable energy supply and Beijing would 'strengthen communication' for de-escalation, while Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he was 'sceptical' and ruled out active participation.
- France is working on a possible international escort mission but stressed it must launch only 'when the circumstances permit, when fighting has subsided,' and the Wall Street Journal reported—without independent verification—that the Trump administration plans to announce a coalition as early as this week.
Why it matters: Allies are choosing bilateral negotiations with Tehran or outright hedging over joining a US-led convoy, leaving Trump without the international cover he sought for the Hormuz operation. With 1,000 tankers stranded and oil near $100 a barrel, the US will either escort ships unilaterally or accept a de facto blockade in which countries like India strike side deals with Iran to keep their energy moving.
