Some U.S. allies decline to help Trump with Strait of Hormuz

President Trump on Monday sought military support from allies and China to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping channel through which roughly one-third of all seaborne oil passes. The European Union and Australia declined to participate in the effort, while China and Japan offered no immediate commitment. Trump's appeal reflects concerns that the strait—a strategic chokepoint between Iran and Oman—faces threats to free passage, a disruption that could ripple across global energy markets and international commerce. The refusal by key Western allies to join the operation underscores the limits of Trump's ability to mobilize coalition support for military initiatives without offering detailed strategic rationale or commitments of his own. The outcome will test whether the White House can pressure Beijing and other powers independently or must adjust its approach to secure cooperation on one of the world's most economically vital waterways.