Trump calls for securing the Strait of Hormuz. The world is divided between reservation and rejection

Amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, US President Donald Trump has sparked a new wave of controversy after he called on a number of countries around the world to send warships to participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important sea lanes for energy transmission.

The invitation, which came in light of the ongoing war with Iran, quickly provoked mixed international reactions ranging from reservation to study to outright rejection.

Iran: "Begging" and calling for the expulsion of foreigners

As expected, the most response came from Tehran, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi described Trump's call as a "political begging" and called on neighboring countries to "expel foreign aggressors" from the region, considering the decision to cross the strait "completely sovereign," noting that his country has granted transit permits to ships from different countries despite tensions.

International positions. Between caution and waiting

Major countries have approached the U.S. call with great caution and most have preferred not to commit to any direct military steps, with China stressing the need to ensure "stable and unimpeded energy supplies and that it will intensify its diplomatic contacts to de-escalate" without any reference to sending ships.

Britain, in the words of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stressed the importance of reopening the strait and held talks with Trump about "multiple options", but did not make clear pledges, while France said it was considering the possibility of forming an international mission to escort ships but linked it to improved security conditions.

Japan said the government had not yet made a decision and that any "move would be subject to careful legal review," and South Korea said only that it was "taking note" of the invitation and would conduct a review in coordination with Washington.

Germany's position was the most clear, with its Foreign Minister Johan Wadpole stressing that his country would not be "an active part of this conflict", stressing that his country does not see a role for NATO in dealing with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Australia followed suit, which openly stated that it does not plan to send warships despite its awareness of the importance of the strait.

The Gulf... Calculated silence

Although the Gulf states are the most affected by any unrest in the Strait of Hormuz, none of them has so far declared its readiness to respond to Trump's invitation, according to observers, this silence reflects a desire to avoid engaging in a direct confrontation with Iran, especially in light of the sensitive security and economic situation in the region.

Strait of Hormuz in the heart of the storm

About 20 percent of the world's oil supply passes through the strait, making it a constant flashpoint in any regional tension, and with each new crisis, the same question comes back to the fore: Who has the ability – or the desire – to take responsibility for securing this vital corridor?