According to a Politico report, Britain and France rejected a Trump administration demand to join the international naval task force protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth raised the idea with UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, but both allies declined, with European officials citing frustration over Washington's failure to consult them before strikes on Iran in February.
The new report from Politico, published Wednesday morning, reveals a significant diplomatic rift between the United States and two of its key European allies in the Strait of Hormuz campaign. The Trump administration had pressed Britain and France to join the international naval task force established to protect shipping in the strategic waterway. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth raised the proposal with UK Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, and a subsequent call included French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin. Both European governments declined, according to the report.
European officials cited frustration that the United States did not consult them before launching strikes on Iran in February, and expressed concern that joining a risky operation after being excluded from decision-making would be untenable.
The rejection marks a setback for Washington's efforts to broaden the coalition for the Hormuz campaign, which has been a central focus of US policy since the February strikes. The Zioneer has previously reported on European reluctance to commit to the US-led effort, including proposals for alternative maritime routes and European-led missions.
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