US-Iran Tensions Rise: Allies Hesitant to Secure Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta – Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, as President Donald Trump urges his allies to secure oil shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. This move simultaneously highlights the shortcomings of Washington’s strategy in dealing with Tehran.

Trump has requested that countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and China participate in escorting oil tankers. This request comes amid increasing threats to commercial vessels in the Gulf region, following military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran.

However, the response from allies has been lukewarm. Japan stated it has not received a formal request, while China has yet to provide a response.

At the same time, Trump is also pressing the NATO alliance to become involved. “Now we’ll see if they facilitate us,” Trump said in an interview with the Financial Times. He even warned of a “particularly bad future” for NATO if allies do not participate.

However, NATO is geographically limited to Europe and North America. The US has also consistently encouraged European nations to focus on defending their own regions, rather than conflicts in the Middle East.

The willingness of European countries to contribute remains limited. France has deployed eight warships to the eastern Mediterranean, but is hesitant to enter the Strait of Hormuz until the intensity of the conflict subsides. The United Kingdom is also working to prepare its destroyers, including bringing HMS Dragon out of dry dock for immediate deployment.

Previously, Trump urged industry players to continue navigating the route. “Show courage,” he said. However, the US Navy itself has not fully taken on the role of escorting vessels. “The US hasn’t done so given that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group can be 200 km off Oman and strike Iran with little risk,” Matthew Savill of the Royal United Services Institute, told the Guardian.

Meanwhile, the White House is seen as having failed to anticipate Iran’s response. Despite its limitations in conventional military options, Tehran is expected to target US bases, allied countries, and commercial vessels to pressure the West.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has reportedly prepared layered succession plans as a precaution against a prolonged conflict, indicating readiness for long-term escalation.

Over the past two weeks, the US has focused its attacks on Iran’s naval targets and missile facilities. However, this strategy has not been able to mitigate asymmetric threats, particularly against civilian commercial ships. At least 16 ships have been attacked, according to Lloyd’s List, leading many tanker ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the escort of tankers is likely to begin “at the end of this month” after additional military operations.

Iran itself has a range of options for tiny-scale attacks, from fast boats belonging to the Revolutionary Guard, to aerial drones, and sea mines. However, the latest indications suggest that the apply of unmanned marine vessels, or drones, has become one of the most effective methods, allegedly used in the attack on a Thai-flagged tanker last week.

This situation reflects a lack of coordination and preparedness among allies in the face of escalating conflict. Analysts believe that without a clear strategy, the US’s actions risk expanding the conflict and increasing the threat to global energy distribution routes.

The current impasse underscores a broader challenge for the US: the difficulty of forging a unified international front against Iran. While Washington seeks to project strength and deter further aggression, its calls for assistance have been met with caution and reluctance from key allies. This hesitancy stems from a variety of factors, including differing strategic priorities, concerns about escalating the conflict, and a desire to avoid being drawn into a regional power struggle.

The lack of a cohesive response also raises questions about the effectiveness of US diplomacy in the region. Despite repeated attempts to rally international support, Washington has struggled to convince its allies of the necessity of a more assertive stance against Iran. This has left the US increasingly isolated in its efforts to contain Tehran’s influence and protect vital shipping lanes.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation. As tensions continue to rise, the need for a diplomatic solution becomes increasingly urgent. However, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions, the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear dim.