Trump struggles to build coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz - Axios
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The Bottom Line
Trump struggles to build international coalition to reopen Strait of Hormuz, critical to global oil supplies.
How This Affects You
If the strait remains disrupted, U.S. energy prices could rise as the waterway handles one-fifth of global oil trade.
AI Summary
President Trump is facing difficulty assembling international support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping chokepoint that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade. The strait's closure or disruption would have immediate economic consequences, raising energy prices worldwide and destabilizing markets that depend on steady petroleum flows. Trump's coalition-building challenge reflects tensions between his administration's strategic goals and the reluctance of key allies or regional players to commit resources or political capital to the effort. The difficulty underscores the complexity of coordinating international action on Middle Eastern security issues, even when the economic stakes are high for multiple nations. Success would require consensus among maritime powers, regional states, and trading partners who may have competing interests or risk assessments.
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Trump-Xi summit delayed as U.S. president pushes China to help open Hormuz - The Washington Post
Trump criticises allies over rejection of Hormuz request, as Iran and Israel trade airstrikes - Reuters
Iran War Live Updates: Trump Pressures China and NATO Countries to Help Open Strait of Hormuz - The New York Times
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<p>President made contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with allies to help US secure Strait of Hormuz</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a> drew a backlash on Sunday for suggesting US efforts to protect the Strait of Hormuz were unnecessary – and that “maybe we shouldn’t even be there at all” because his country has plenty of oil of its own.</p><p>The president made the contradictory comment to reporters on Air Force One after pleading with European and Nato allies <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/16/strait-of-hormuz-a...
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