The Trump administration is struggling to build an international coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded as part of an ongoing conflict. While the U.K. has circulated a coalition plan, several key allies have responded with skepticism or outright rejection, according to diplomatic sources.
The strait closure has become a central crisis preventing Trump from declaring victory in what sources describe as "the war." As long as Gulf oil remains trapped by the Iranian blockade, the administration cannot achieve its objectives despite pursuing both military and diplomatic solutions.
The U.S. military is conducting strikes on Iranian anti-ship positions along the strait's shores while diplomats seek naval vessels and political backing from allies. Trump wants participation from the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Gulf countries and Jordan, plus Japan and South Korea, but leaders from Germany, Italy and Japan have already ruled out sending ships.
Trump spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron about coalition participation, rating Macron as "8 out of 10" in willingness to help. However, sources said Macron remained noncommittal while Starmer was more supportive. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will brief senators Tuesday on Iran strategy amid congressional calls for oversight hearings.