RT | Wednes, March 18, 2026 
US push to build Iran coalition turning into ‘mess’ – Axios

Donald Trump’s attempts to obtain help securing the Strait of Hormuz have been met with strong skepticism, the report claims. US efforts to build an international coalition to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have turned into a “mess” because Washington’s partners are reluctant to offer assistance, Axios reported on Monday, citing sources. The US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks have led to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz being disrupted. The de-facto closure of one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints has sent shockwaves through global oil markets, with Brent crude at times trading above $100 per barrel. According to Axios, the administration of US President Donald Trump has been lobbying countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, as well as several Gulf states and Jordan, to provide naval vessels or other forms of support for a mission to secure regional shipping routes. However, the outlet said that responses from potential partners have ranged from “skepticism to ‘hell no’.” Germany, Italy, and Japan have reportedly ruled out sending naval ships, while France has remained noncommittal. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was described as “forward-leaning,” with London drafting a proposal for a multinational task force, sources told Axios...Read more