What have US allies and China said about sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz?

Following attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz amid conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, Donald Trump called on allies, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to send ships to secure the vital waterway. Despite this request, Trump stated that most NATO allies informed the US they did not want to get involved. The UK is in discussions with the US, European, and Gulf partners to develop a plan, but no decisions have been made. Germany stated the conflict is not a NATO matter and questioned the value of European frigates when the US Navy is present. France has expressed readiness to participate in an escort mission for container ships and tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Several European countries, including Germany, Italy, and the UK, have rejected Donald Trump's call for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump requested NATO members send warships to protect commercial vessels and ensure oil shipments through the vital waterway, which has been effectively closed by Iran amidst a wider regional conflict. European leaders emphasized diplomatic solutions, with Germany explicitly ruling out military participation, stating "This is not our war." While the UK is working on a plan to reopen the strait, they are not looking to be drawn into a wider war. Other countries, including Australia, France and Japan have also stated they have no plans to send warships.

Amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran in March 2026, European leaders rejected US President Trump's call for NATO allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss soaring oil prices resulting from the conflict, which has effectively shuttered the strait, a key waterway for global oil shipments. Germany stated it would not join military operations, while Greece and Italy also declined involvement in naval missions in the area. Despite rising energy prices, several European countries pushed back against Trump's request. Denmark suggested Europe should remain open to ensuring freedom of navigation, but no formal decisions have been made.

The article discusses the strained relationship between the US and its NATO allies regarding the ongoing Iran crisis. President Trump suggested NATO should help secure the Strait of Hormuz, but this proposal has been met with resistance. European allies, particularly Germany, assert that the conflict is not a NATO matter and question the effectiveness of European naval contributions. Despite disagreements, there is a consensus on the urgency to resolve the crisis, triggered by Trump's actions, due to its potential global economic impact. The UK Prime Minister indicated ongoing discussions with international partners to find a solution, but no decisions have been made yet.