Trump's Call to Secure the Strait of Hormuz Attracts Little Support Amid Rising Oil Prices
US President Donald Trump’s efforts to form an international coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz have so far failed to yield tangible commitments. Although tensions on this vital global energy shipping route have triggered a surge in global oil prices, allied and key trading partner nations have largely adopted a passive stance.
Through posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump has urged nations affected by the situation—including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom—to deploy their warships.
Cold Reception
However, global response has been severely limited. A spokesperson for China’s embassy in the United States, Liu Pengyu, merely emphasised all parties’ responsibility to maintain energy supply stability without pledging military deployment. Beijing has preferred to pursue diplomatic channels for de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Tehran has effectively blockaded the strait—through which one-fifth of global oil exports passes—as a reprisal for US and Israeli air strikes. This move is deliberately designed to pressure global economy and Washington’s negotiating position.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all parties except the US and its allies.
This uncertainty has left global energy markets in turmoil, whilst the international community appears reluctant to be drawn further into direct military confrontation in Gulf waters.
At least 10 tanker vessels have reportedly been targeted in attacks since the conflict erupted on 28 February. This figure comes from reports by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and Iraqi and Iranian authorities. A tanker off the coast of Kuwait was reported to have suffered a major explosion triggering an oil spill, marking an expansion of attacks in the Arabian Gulf.
The Japanese government is considering sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump requested allies to assist in protecting oil tankers.