• Trump assesses Macron's support for the Strait of Hormuz coalition as 8 out of 10, indicating qualified backing from France despite some reservations.
  • The U.S. is assembling an international coalition to secure the strategic waterway, where about 20% of global oil supply passes daily.
  • Iran describes its control of the strait as "smart control," allowing passage for neutral vessels while restricting American and Israeli ships, escalating tensions.

In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump has rated French President Emmanuel Macron's support for the emerging Strait of Hormuz coalition as 8 out of 10, signaling a generally positive but not perfect alignment. This assessment comes as Trump pushes to form an international coalition aimed at securing the critical waterway, a move driven by concerns over global energy security. According to people familiar with the matter, the U.S. has approached approximately seven countries to join the effort, urging nations heavily reliant on Gulf oil—particularly in Europe and China—to contribute military assets like minesweepers, troops, and special forces.

Macron has been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach, including calls with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to encourage de-escalation and halt attacks on Gulf infrastructure. Trump's rating, coupled with his remark that "it is France," suggests tempered expectations based on historical French positions, though sources indicate Macron's efforts are broadly supportive of coalition goals. In response to inquiries, a French official emphasized ongoing dialogue but declined to comment on specific military commitments, highlighting the fluid nature of negotiations.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have denied claims of a full closure of the strait, instead framing their approach as "smart control"—a strategy that permits passage for vessels from neutral and friendly countries while targeting American and Israeli ships. This stance marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, with analysts warning it could lead to a protracted conflict, increasing volatility in energy markets. Trump has noted that he does not believe Iran is currently ready for a negotiated deal, underscoring the challenges in achieving a diplomatic resolution.

Efforts to bolster the coalition have hit a snag as some European partners express caution over military involvement, citing potential risks to broader diplomatic relations. Without a robust international response, experts caution that the situation could deteriorate, impacting oil prices and global trade flows. Market data shows slight upticks in crude futures amid the uncertainty, though traders remain watchful for further developments. As talks continue behind the scenes, the focus remains on securing commitments and navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, with updates expected in the coming weeks.