On Monday, President Donald Trump faced a setback as multiple American allies declined his proposal to deploy warships to escort oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This waterway, crucial for global energy supplies, has been effectively blocked amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. The refusal by several Western partners to join the naval escort mission has drawn sharp criticism from Trump, who accused these longstanding allies of showing ingratitude despite decades of American protection and support.
The current hostilities, now entering their third week, have severely disrupted the flow of oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for approximately 20% of the world’s energy shipments. This disruption has triggered a spike in global energy prices and heightened fears of inflation, further complicating the economic landscape for many countries. The closure of this critical maritime route has not only intensified geopolitical tensions but also imposed significant economic burdens on US allies, many of whom were not consulted prior to the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Several European nations, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, have publicly stated they have no immediate plans to contribute naval forces to reopen the strait. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the lack of a formal mandate from international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union, or NATO, which he cited as a legal barrier to involvement. Merz also highlighted that Germany was not consulted before the initiation of the conflict, underscoring the diplomatic rifts emerging within the Western alliance.
Speaking at a White House event, President Trump expressed his frustration over the lukewarm response from some allies. While he acknowledged that certain countries had shown enthusiasm to assist, he lamented the reluctance of others, particularly those nations the US has historically protected from external threats. Trump’s comments reflected his growing impatience with partners who, in his view, have failed to reciprocate the support extended by the United States over many years.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaign against Iran, having prepared detailed operational plans for at least another three weeks of conflict. Overnight airstrikes targeted multiple sites across Iran, including facilities linked to its space program and nuclear infrastructure. The conflict has also spilled over into southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces advanced following retaliatory rocket fire from Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. This escalation has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict.
In a joint statement, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom warned that any significant Israeli ground offensive could result in devastating humanitarian consequences and potentially prolong the conflict. These countries urged restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid further escalation that could destabilize the region even more.
Israel has made clear its objective to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten its security by targeting ballistic missile sites, nuclear facilities, and various branches of Iran’s security apparatus. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stressed that the country still has thousands of targets to strike, signaling a protracted campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities comprehensively.
On the Iranian side, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to retaliate by targeting US industrial facilities in the Middle East. Iranian officials have warned civilians living near American-owned plants to evacuate, reflecting the heightened risk of further attacks. Tehran also responded to Trump’s threat to strike oil facilities on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil terminal, where US forces recently destroyed military targets. Iranian military spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi declared that any country hosting US forces involved in attacks on Kharg would face retaliatory strikes on their oil and gas infrastructure.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran has not sought a ceasefire nor engaged in direct communication with the United States. He also accused some neighboring states that host US forces of encouraging violence against Iranians. Araqchi highlighted the human cost of the conflict, noting that hundreds of Iranian civilians, including 200 children, have been killed in US and Israeli bombings. Rescue teams in Tehran continue to work tirelessly to recover victims from the rubble of residential areas damaged by airstrikes.
In a significant development, Israeli forces claimed to have struck sites connected to Iran’s space program, including a research facility in Tehran involved in satellite development. Residents of Tehran reported internet outages and a pervasive sense of isolation amid the escalating violence. One local, Shahnaz, expressed despair over the ongoing conflict, lamenting the loss of her granddaughter during recent protests and voicing a desire for the current regime to end.
Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, air raid sirens sounded late into the night, signaling ongoing threats from Iranian missile attacks. The IRGC confirmed launching strikes on multiple targets, including Tel Aviv, the US Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, and naval and air bases in Bahrain. Along the UAE coast, oil loading operations at the port of Fujairah resumed partially after an Iranian drone strike disrupted activities. Fujairah is a critical export point for the UAE’s Murban crude oil, which accounts for about 1% of global demand.
Additionally, flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended following a drone attack on a nearby fuel storage facility, which sent thick black smoke into the sky. Saudi Arabia also intercepted 34 drones over its eastern region within an hour, though no casualties were reported in these incidents. Despite the heightened tensions and disruptions, oil prices, which had surged above $100 per barrel, fell back as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a willingness to allow some Iranian fuel shipments through the strait. He also noted that Indian and Chinese tankers had reportedly passed through, providing a glimmer of relief to the global energy market amid the crisis.
