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Trump Pressures Europe to Secure Blocked Hormuz Strait

3/18/2026

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Left

Trump Urges Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump urges European allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran.
European leaders have resisted deeper involvement in the conflict.
The EU considered expanding Aspides to include the strait, leaving the idea off the table.
Aspides was launched in February 2024 and has a budget of about 15 million euros, with three or four ships.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged two additional vessels.

Right

Trump Seeks Military Support

U.S. President Donald Trump sought military support to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials from Australia, France, and Japan said they have no plans to send warships.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized the proposal.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani urged diplomatic solutions.
Trump warned NATO's refusal could harm the alliance's future.

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Trump Urges Europe

U.S. President Donald Trump urges European allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran.
European leaders have resisted deeper involvement in the conflict.
The EU considered expanding Aspides to include the strait, leaving the idea off the table.
Aspides was launched in February 2024 and has a budget of about 15 million euros, with three or four ships.
French President Emmanuel Macron pledged two additional vessels.

1 / 2