Six U.S. allies back potential Strait of Hormuz coalition

"As long as the Iranian blockade holds and Gulf oil remains trapped, President Trump can't end the war and declare victory even if he wants to. The U.S. military is conducting strikes on Iranian anti-ship positions along the shores of the Strait of Hormuz to decimate Iran's ability to attack oil tankers."

"The White House and State Department have tried to build a coalition of countries to provide ships, other military assets and political backing for a mission to escort ships or otherwise provide a secure route for shipping in and out of the Gulf."

"On Thursday morning, Rutte and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Macron and convinced him to lift his opposition to the political statement of support, while leaving the discussion on the practical steps for later. Japan also joined the statement at the last minute."

The Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has become the central challenge for the Trump administration in the ongoing conflict. As long as the blockade persists and Gulf oil remains trapped, the President cannot achieve his stated war objectives or declare victory. The White House is employing dual strategies: military operations targeting Iranian anti-ship positions along the strait's shores to eliminate threats to oil tankers, and diplomatic efforts to assemble an international coalition providing military assets and political support for secure shipping corridors. Initial NATO reluctance prompted Trump's dismissive response on Truth Social. However, diplomatic negotiations led by NATO Secretary General Rutte and British Prime Minister Starmer successfully persuaded French President Macron to support a political statement backing the coalition initiative, with Japan joining at the last moment.

Read at Axios