Strait of Hormuz, Major News! Multiple Countries Refuse to Participate, Trump Complains About Allies "Not Helping"

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Since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been nearly completely halted. President Trump plans to announce the formation of a so-called “Hormuz Alliance” to control the Strait of Hormuz and pressure European, Asian, and Gulf countries to send warships to participate.

However, so far, many countries have taken a cautious stance or outright refused, with no country publicly responding to the U.S. call.

Trump Calls on Other Countries to Help Ensure Safe Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz

According to CCTV News, on March 16 local time, President Trump at a White House event again urged other countries to assist in ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, complaining that some allies are not enthusiastic about supporting the U.S.

Trump said, “Some countries are very active, others less so. Some of these countries we have helped for many years and protected from terrible external threats, but their enthusiasm is not high.”

Trump also mentioned that some countries are willing to help, but he did not specify which ones.

He further stated that it is currently unclear whether Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and that the U.S. military has sunk over 100 Iranian naval vessels, including all 30 of Iran’s mine-laying ships.

Multiple Countries Say They Will Not Participate in Escorting Ships Through the Strait of Hormuz

EU: Middle East Conflict “Is Not Europe’s War”

On March 16, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told the media in Brussels that “this is not Europe’s war.” He also said that EU member states have no intention of expanding the existing “Shield” maritime escort operation to the Strait of Hormuz.

Borrell emphasized that the EU is currently focusing on shipping safety in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, and is promoting de-escalation of the regional situation through diplomatic means.

Germany: US-Israel-Iran Conflict Has Nothing to Do with NATO; No Participation in Strait Escort

German government spokesperson Steffen Seibert stated at a routine press conference in Berlin on March 16 that the US-Israel-Iran conflict has nothing to do with NATO.

Seibert said that the German government has noted President Trump’s comments regarding NATO and has coordinated with allies over the weekend. Germany will not participate in military actions against Iran, nor will it take any military measures to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

UK Prime Minister: Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Larger Middle East Conflict

On March 16, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a speech outside 10 Downing Street that Britain will not be drawn into a larger war in the Middle East.

He also stated that the current tense situation in the Middle East and the importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a key energy transit route mean that shipping safety concerns global energy markets and trade stability. He said restoring normal navigation through the strait “is not a simple task” and requires coordination among all parties.

Sunak said the UK is consulting with relevant countries and allies to develop a feasible plan to restore freedom of navigation in the region, but this is not a NATO mission.

Spain: Does Not Consider Participating in EU-Led Strait of Hormuz Escort Operation

On March 16, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles ruled out Spain’s participation in the EU’s possible Strait of Hormuz operation. The proposal was put forward by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to maintain the strait’s open passage.

Robles stated that Spain has coordinated with France and other EU member states on deploying the Cyprus defense mission, and therefore does not consider participating in a military operation in the Strait of Hormuz. She explained that Spain wants to end the war as soon as possible because it is pointless, violates international law, and has caused many deaths.

Italy Refuses to Participate in Military Action in the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that Italy’s current focus is on strengthening EU escort operations in the Red Sea, as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is clearly more complicated, implying a further step toward involvement in the conflict.

Meloni emphasized that freedom of navigation is vital for Italy, but military intervention in the Strait of Hormuz objectively means moving further into the conflict. Italian media interpreted her statement as a refusal to participate in military actions in the Strait.

Belgian Prime Minister: Will Not Participate in US Military Action in the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated that the Belgian government’s position is that Belgium will not participate in the US military operation in the Strait of Hormuz. He said that Belgium would consider such involvement only if NATO or bilateral requests are made, for example, by Saudi Arabia or the UAE.

Portuguese Foreign Minister: Supports Political Means to Ensure Navigation Through the Strait of Hormuz

On March 16, Portuguese Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho said that Portugal “neither is involved nor will be involved” in the current Middle East conflict, and supports diplomatic and political efforts to facilitate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Compiled from: CCTV News

Proofread by: Li Lingfeng