US push to build Iran coalition turning into ‘mess’ – Axios

Donald Trump’s attempts to obtain help securing the Strait of Hormuz have been met with strong skepticism, the report claims

US efforts to build an international coalition to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have turned into a “mess” because Washington’s partners are reluctant to offer assistance, Axios reported on Monday, citing sources.

The US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks have led to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz being disrupted. The de-facto closure of one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints has sent shockwaves through global oil markets, with Brent crude at times trading above $100 per barrel.

According to Axios, the administration of US President Donald Trump has been lobbying countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, as well as several Gulf states and Jordan, to provide naval vessels or other forms of support for a mission to secure regional shipping routes.

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However, the outlet said that responses from potential partners have ranged from “skepticism to ‘hell no’.” Germany, Italy, and Japan have reportedly ruled out sending naval ships, while France has remained noncommittal. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was described as “forward-leaning,” with London drafting a proposal for a multinational task force, sources told Axios.

However, the roadmap has not been shared with all the countries invited, and one European diplomat described the negotiations as “a mess,” telling the outlet that “a lot of people are confused.” 

Publicly, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said that there was “no appetite” in the bloc to participate in the US-led coalition against Iran, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that “this is not our war, we have not started it.” Meanwhile, Trump warned that NATO could face “very bad future” if its European members refuse to partake.

As the Iran war continues with no clear end in sight, the Washington Post reported, citing sources, that Trump had received “very sobering briefings” on the Iranian leadership remaining firmly in control of the country. The paper added that Trump had been warned the government in Tehran could consolidate power rather than collapse.

“It wasn’t just predictable,” a WaPo source said. “It was predicted. He was told in advance.”