Washington, March 17 (NationPress) Major US allies have resisted President Donald Trump’s appeal to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This situation reveals growing divisions within the Western alliance amid escalating tensions in the Gulf.

Trump has been urging partners to back initiatives aimed at securing this vital oil passage and alleviating strains on the global economy. However, the reactions have been cautious and, in some instances, outright dismissive, according to the report.

Germany has completely ruled out participation. Japan and Australia have signaled they are unlikely to deploy naval vessels. Meanwhile, Britain and France are still evaluating their options without committing to immediate action, as detailed by The Wall Street Journal.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius sharply criticized the request, questioning what Trump expects from “a handful or two handfuls of European frigates” that the formidable US Navy cannot accomplish independently in the Strait of Hormuz.

“This is not our conflict. We did not initiate it,” he stated.

Despite this, Trump has increased his demands, warning allies that their refusal to support efforts to reopen the strait will be remembered. In an interview, he also cautioned that a lack of assistance from NATO allies could have dire future implications for the alliance.

The White House has indicated ongoing communication with allies, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that Trump “continues to engage with our European partners and is urging their support.”

The hesitance comes at a time of rising dangers in the region. Tehran has threatened to target any vessels operating without its consent, resulting in a surge in oil prices since the onset of the conflict. Prior to the war, approximately 20 percent of the world's oil supply transited through the strait, but it is now largely inaccessible, as mentioned in the report.

European leaders have adopted a measured stance. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that while his country is exploring options, there are clear boundaries.

“We will not be drawn into a broader conflict,” he stated. “Ultimately, we must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, this is no easy task.”

France has taken a more proactive approach but has not yet committed to immediate actions. President Emmanuel Macron has dispatched naval resources to the area and is working towards forming a coalition. Nevertheless, French officials assert that any actions will follow a cessation of hostilities.

Macron emphasized that the freedom of navigation in the strait “must be restored as swiftly as possible.”

At the EU level, foreign ministers convened in Brussels to discuss the situation but refrained from expanding current naval operations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked, “Nobody is keen to actively engage in this conflict.”