Trump's Failed Man Marking Against the Closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Washington has recently contacted officials from France, China, Japan, and South Korea and asked them to participate in an operation to ensure the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but has been rejected by them.

News ID: 87564

Date: 16 March 2026 - 15:19

TEHRAN (Defapress) - As the regional war in Iran enters its third week, tensions in the Persian Gulf are rising. Accordingly, reports suggest the United States, desperate for a solution, has asked France, China, Japan, and South Korea to join a naval coalition to break the Iranian-enforced blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, this request has not been met with enthusiastic support.

Some countries that the United States has asked for help in breaking the Hormuz Strait blockade have openly opposed the request. Diplomatic sources report that "France" and "China" have objected to joining any military or security action to break a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. These countries have emphasized the need to resolve tensions through diplomatic channels and avoid escalating conflicts in the region.

Meanwhile, Japan, although not officially stating its opposition, has shown little inclination to participate in such actions in the statements of its officials. Moreover, analysts argue that Tokyo, heavily dependent on energy imports from the Persian Gulf region, prefers to refrain from direct involvement in military tensions in the area.

International relations experts believe the lack of support from some major global powers for Washington's request could indicate widespread concerns about the potential consequences of any military action near the Strait of Hormuz; an area where any instability could impact global energy markets and international maritime security.

Since the start of the regional war three weeks ago, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly ceased, hindering the export of roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and driving global oil prices to their highest level since 2022.

Three informed sources in the shipping industry said the US Navy has been holding regular briefing sessions with shipping companies and the oil industry, stating that they are currently unable to provide escort for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

These sources, who did not wish to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, added that the shipping industry has almost daily raised the request for escort during their meetings and communications.