UAE, Australia swell Hormuz coalition to 22 nations as Trump urges allies to deploy warships

DUBAI, UAE: The United Arab Emirates and Australia have become the latest countries to signal their willingness to support efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, joining a statement that now has backing from 22 nations.

The expanded show of support comes amid rising international concern over the security of the strategic waterway, a critical artery for global oil shipments.

European and Asian powers condemn Iran attacks

On Thursday, March 19, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels. The countries said they were prepared to contribute to “appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.”

Their statement marked a widening diplomatic response to growing threats in the region, though it stopped short of detailing what form any joint action might take.

It remains unclear what specific measures could be deployed to secure the vital maritime corridor.

While countries have expressed willingness to contribute, no formal plan has yet emerged on how the mission would be carried out or what military or logistical commitments it might involve.

South Korea and Bahrain also signal support

Earlier on Saturday, March 21, South Korea’s foreign ministry confirmed that Seoul was also willing to participate in efforts aimed at protecting navigation in the strait.

Bahrain, meanwhile, became the first Gulf country to join the statement on Friday, adding regional weight to the multinational effort.

Notably, neither the United States nor China has so far endorsed the joint statement, despite their major strategic and economic interests in the region.

Their absence has drawn attention as international discussions continue over how best to respond to the mounting threat to one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Trump pressures allies for military support

President Donald Trump had earlier urged allies to send warships and minesweepers to help secure the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to steady global oil markets.

So far, however, no country has made a firm military commitment. Trump later attacked NATO allies for failing to step forward, branding them “cowards” for not doing more to help protect the strait.