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Analysis

In Hormuz standoff, Trump struggles to rally allies

President Donald Trump again urged US allies to “step up," while insisting their help isn't needed unblocking the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump steps of Marine One as he returns to the White House on March 18, 2026, in Washington, DC.
US President Donald Trump steps of Marine One as he returns to the White House on March 18, 2026, in Washington, DC. — Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's war against Iran is testing the limits of his “America First” approach to foreign policy, as traditional allies in Europe and Asia resist his calls to take on a military role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. 

On Thursday leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan issued a joint statement saying they are ready to “support appropriate efforts” to reopen the strait but stopped short of a commitment to dispatch the warships Trump is seeking.

"We want to try a more cooperative approach," said a European official speaking on condition of anonymity. "The issue is not about whether we want to unlock Hormuz or not. We all want that. The question is how do we do it?"

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