US president Donald Trump’s demands for a coalition to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz appeared to fall on deaf ears ‌on Monday as allies Japan and Australia said they were not planning to send navy vessels to the Middle East to escort ships through the vital waterway. Markets in Asia reacted cautiously, with Brent crude rising more than 1 per cent above $104.50 and regional share markets mostly weaker amid concerns about the risk to Middle East oil facilities and after Trump’s request for allies to get more involved. In ​a weekend social media post he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and others would participate. “I think China should help too because China gets 90 per cent of its oil from the Straits,” Trump said. Trump also ratcheted up pressure on European allies to help protect the strait, warning ​that Nato faces a “very bad” future if its members fail to come to Washington’s aid.

Source: The Irish Times March 16, 2026 16:25 UTC