- Trump is assembling a coalition of approximately seven countries, including France, China, Japan, South Korea, and Britain, to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively closed the critical oil transport route.
- France's President Emmanuel Macron is coordinating with European partners and Asian nations on a potential international escort mission, but insists it proceed only "when the circumstances permit"—once active fighting subsides.
- European Union officials are considering expanding Operation Aspides or forming a "coalition of the willing," while the UK's Keir Starmer rules out NATO involvement, emphasizing an "alliance of partners" to address economic impacts.
Trump is pushing for international military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, with France expected to play a key role in the effort. According to people familiar with the matter, the former U.S. president has requested assistance from about seven countries to help reopen the vital chokepoint for global crude oil shipments, which Iran has blocked amid ongoing regional tensions.
"I think Macron is going to help," Trump said recently, though he has not disclosed which nations have formally committed or when a coalition might be established. The lack of a clear timeline from the U.S. side has left allies grappling with uncertainty, particularly as Trump has vacillated on deadlines while declaring Iran defeated. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlighted this challenge, stating that allies "need more clarity here" from the U.S. and Israel regarding when military aims are considered achieved.
France's involvement hinges on delicate coordination. Macron is working with European partners—including the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, and potentially Spain—as well as countries in India and Asia on a possible mission to escort ships through the strait. However, French officials have emphasized that any effort must proceed only "when the circumstances permit," meaning after active fighting has subsided. This cautious approach reflects broader European concerns about escalating conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, the European Union is weighing its options. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that "it is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open," with discussions focused on whether to expand the existing Operation Aspides naval mission from the Red Sea into the Persian Gulf or to create a separate "coalition of the willing" with member nations contributing on an ad hoc basis. The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also engaging with European partners, Gulf allies, and the U.S. to develop "a viable collective plan" to restore freedom of navigation and ease economic impacts, explicitly ruling out NATO involvement in favor of an "alliance of partners."
Strategic stakes are high. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical conduit for crude oil, and its closure poses "a significant danger to the region, the freedom of shipping and the global economy," according to German officials. Trump has argued that it is "only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there," warning that NATO faces a "very bad" future if allies fail to assist. Efforts to reach Iranian officials for comment were unsuccessful.
As negotiations continue, Israeli military officials indicated preparations for at least three more weeks of operations in Iran, despite mission progress ahead of schedule. This adds another layer of complexity to coalition-building, with partners seeking assurances on conflict duration and end conditions. Without a deal, global shipping disruptions could worsen, impacting oil markets and economic stability.