Behind the closed doors of Brussels and via phone calls between the US, Britain, and France, the atmosphere resembles more of a labyrinth than a coordinated military operation. While the White House attempts to present a united front to restore navigation in the Gulf, the reality conveyed by European diplomats is entirely different and described by the word "chaos," as conflicting plans and deep mistrust threaten to blow Western cohesion apart. The reactions of "allies" range from icy skepticism to a categorical "hell no." Donald Trump’s push to "shove" allies into an international coalition in the Strait of Hormuz appears to be hitting a wall. From a British draft circulating without being read by all, to the "vague" promises of French President Emmanuel Macron and Berlin's flat refusal, the backdrop reveals a dangerous disconnect.
At the center of this crisis, the American president faces the consequences of his own policy, while Europe, through Kaja Kallas, signals that it does not intend to be dragged into a war it does not consider its own. The Trump agenda, according to Axios, seeks the participation of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, the Gulf states, and Jordan in the coalition. The US has also approached Japan and South Korea. However, leaders from countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan have already ruled out the possibility of sending warships.
It is recalled that Trump spoke on Sunday (3/15/2026) with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron regarding their inclusion in the coalition. According to Trump, Macron was at an "8 out of 10" in terms of willingness to help. He also stated that the United Kingdom would participate. However, a source with knowledge of the contacts reported that while Starmer was positively inclined, Macron was hesitant. "Macron did not give a definitive no, but for now the answer is negative," a second source stated.
Regarding the backstage maneuvers, the United Kingdom has reportedly drafted a proposal on how a multinational strike force could be formed and shared it with the US and several other countries. However, the British draft has not been shared with all the nations Trump invited, and any consensus on how the coalition would operate seems far off. "It’s a mess. Many are confused," a European diplomat said. The head of European foreign policy, Kaja Kallas, stated after a meeting with the foreign ministers of the 27 member states that "there is no appetite" in the EU to join Trump’s coalition for Hormuz. "This is not Europe’s war," she emphasized.
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