U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States no longer needs assistance from allies to protect the Strait of Hormuz, reversing an earlier appeal for international support as tensions with Iran escalate. Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “We don’t need any help, actually,” just a day after urging other nations to join efforts to safeguard the strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments.

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The shift follows a muted response from U.S. partners, with several European leaders declining to participate in military operations linked to the conflict.

Allies hesitant to join effort

France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, said his country would not take part in efforts to reopen the strait during the current hostilities, though it could assist after fighting ends. Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, also distanced Berlin from involvement, saying the conflict was not one his country had initiated.

The reluctance highlights divisions within Western alliances as Washington seeks support for its campaign against Iran, launched alongside Israel in late February.

‘America First’ approach under scrutiny

The situation is being seen as a test of Trump’s long-standing “America First” foreign policy, which emphasises reduced reliance on international alliances. The president has frequently criticised what he views as unequal burdens within partnerships such as NATO.

A White House spokesperson said the administration would continue to prioritise U.S. national security “with or without” allied backing, pointing to ongoing military operations in the region.

Trump had previously suggested that multiple countries were prepared to assist, but no formal coalition has been announced. His change in stance comes as efforts to rally international support appear to have stalled.

Strategic and economic stakes

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and recent attacks have disrupted shipping, contributing to rising fuel prices. The economic impact has added domestic pressure on the administration ahead of upcoming congressional elections.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham indicated tensions behind the scenes, saying Trump was deeply frustrated by the lack of allied support and warning of broader consequences for both Europe and the United States if the route remains unstable.

Strained diplomatic relations

The dispute reflects broader strains between Washington and its European allies. Critics say the administration’s approach has complicated coalition-building, particularly as the military campaign began without extensive prior consultation.

Diplomats have suggested that trust has been weakened in recent months, making cooperation more difficult. Some also questioned whether foreign naval deployments would be sufficient to secure the strait, given the nature of the threats involved.

Despite differences, officials on both sides acknowledge the importance of maintaining stability in the region. However, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. will renew efforts to build a coalition or continue to act independently.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 March 2026

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"..Trump said, “We don’t need any help, actually,”"

Use of the word 'actually' is a 'tell' Trump is fibbing. Others include 'to tell the truth' and use of his 'accordion hands'.

Trump caused the problem he is the only one that can fix it. Stop attacking Iran.

USA under Trump is now a pariah country. Outcast in the international community, subjected to diplomatic isolation and severe stigma due to policies that violate global norm.

Nobody came to the goons assistance, so his wounded ego now claims he didn't need help after all. Such pathetic desperation from the 13 year old who looks 92. What a creep. Wallow in it Don. You richly deserve this pain, suffering, stress and massive fall in support. You are the world's biggest fool and you are despised like never before. You are a hardship creator and a street pig.

Trump has said the United States no longer needs assistance from allies to protect the Strait of Hormuz

might as well as help ain't coming mate. you started this utterly avoidable and ludicrous war, you fix it.

...and while you're about it, how about the usa pay reparations to all the economies adversely affected by this foolhardiness?

57 minutes ago, The Old Bull said:

Trump caused the problem he is the only one that can fix it. Stop attacking Iran.

I don't think trump can fix this, he is in over his head and everyday is getting worse!

He is bringing down the world economy all by himself and after he is gone it will take the

world a long time to get sorted again.

A lot of people are saying it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

9 minutes ago, jvs said:

I don't think trump can fix this, he is in over his head and everyday is getting worse!

He is bringing down the world economy all by himself and after he is gone it will take the

world a long time to get sorted again.

A lot of people are saying it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

He will add USD3 trillion to the National debt before the fall election. It is heading towards USD40 trillion from USD37 trillion during Biden. The same lying man who promised to reduce the national debt.

1 minute ago, Eric Loh said:

He will add USD3 trillion to the National debt before the fall election. It is heading towards USD40 trillion from USD37 trillion during Biden. The same lying man who promised to reduce the national debt.

He promised a lot more than that and so far he has only lied.

40 minutes ago, jvs said:

I don't think trump can fix this, he is in over his head and everyday is getting worse!

He is bringing down the world economy all by himself and after he is gone it will take the

world a long time to get sorted again.

A lot of people are saying it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

The yanks cannot see it, "after he is gone " Trump is in for life he will not go even when his term ends !! the guy is drunk with power !! the olny way he will go is with a bullet !! the Yanks elected in a dictator

35 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

He will add USD3 trillion to the National debt before the fall election. It is heading towards USD40 trillion from USD37 trillion during Biden. The same lying man who promised to reduce the national debt.

And that means absolutely nothing to him as he cares not one iota for the future well-being of the average American. People still don't see it but this is just a big grift for him, and an opportunity to make a few billion extra through massive corruption, that no member of the GOP seems to have the will to oppose. Cowards, all of them.

Tulsi Gabbard, the director of US National Intelligence, said that the United States intelligence community had assessed that Iran was not rebuilding its nuclear enrichment capabilities following US and Israeli attacks last year.

The revelation on Wednesday appeared to undercut one of President Donald Trump’s key justifications for joining Israel in launching the latest war against Iran.

Busted again Don. Your lies would be a tragedy if your supporters only cared.

33 minutes ago, jvs said:

He promised a lot more than that and so far he has only lied.

I am quite sure that the good person average american has finall y realised what a lying scumbag animal that Trump is . As soon as the grub is out everythign he touched will be put back to normal and renamed and replaced.

"Republican Senator Lindsey Graham indicated tensions behind the scenes, saying Trump was deeply frustrated by the lack of allied support and warning of broader consequences for both Europe and the United States if the route remains unstable."

I am not sure when Lindsey Graham became the spokesperson for the administration since he is a member of congress, (an equal, but completely separate branch of the US government.) The way that Graham speaks these days, you would think that he sits at Trumps knee (oh that's right, he does.)

16 minutes ago, theshu25 said:

I am quite sure that the good person average american has finall y realised what a lying scumbag animal that Trump is . As soon as the grub is out everythign he touched will be put back to normal and renamed and replaced.

Maybe inside the US but i doubt the rest of the world will be eager to be allies again.

Trump is the one who did all of the damage but the people who followed him blindly are just as guilty.

I do not believe he will be in power much longer,one way or the other.

4 minutes ago, Issan girl said:

"Republican Senator Lindsey Graham indicated tensions behind the scenes, saying Trump was deeply frustrated by the lack of allied support and warning of broader consequences for both Europe and the United States if the route remains unstable."

I am not sure when Lindsey Graham became the spokesperson for the administration since he is a member of congress, (an equal, but completely separate branch of the US government.) The way that Graham speaks these days, you would think that he sits at Trumps knee (oh that's right, he does.)

He is no better than a whore who received millions from pro-Israel interest groups. Trump too has his mega donor Miriam Adelson who help him win the 2024 election. This is a Israel war paid and supported by America. There really no benefit for America.

2 hours ago, The Old Bull said:

Trump caused the problem he is the only one that can fix it. Stop attacking Iran.

Indeed. Then let them start building ballistic missiles again, allow them to take the next step with their 460 kg of 60% enriched uranium to weapons grade and let's send them another $1.7 billion dollars like Obama did while we're at it to help them on their way.

Well, what did he expect other countries to do? Send destroyers back and forth through the strait on kamakazi runs, to see if they can hit a mine? His own Navy wouldn't do that - why would anyone else?

I hope Trump has booked an appointment to consult with his bones as to how to proceed!

He did say he would feel it in his bones when it was time to withdraw.

26 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Indeed. Then let them start building ballistic missiles again, allow them to take the next step with their 460 kg of 60% enriched uranium to weapons grade and let's send them another $1.7 billion dollars like Obama did while we're at it to help them on their way.

Didn't trump say they demolished all of the nuclear abilities in Iran?

Don't you believe your president?

1.6 billion invested versus how many billion wasted right now?

Your children and your grandchildren will be paying for this war for many years to come!

Time for a real change!

Just now, jvs said:

Didn't trump say they demolished all of the nuclear abilities in Iran?

Don't you believe your president?

Iran has the same amount of 60% enriched Uranium now as they had then (460kg) so it seems he was right.

25 minutes ago, jvs said:

Didn't trump say they demolished all of the nuclear abilities in Iran?

Don't you believe your president?

1.6 billion invested versus how many billion wasted right now?

Your children and your grandchildren will be paying for this war for many years to come!

Time for a real change!

And how are you going to effect change !! Yanks have elected in a Dictator !! Trunp, so he is not going anywhere

1 hour ago, Issan girl said:

"Republican Senator Lindsey Graham indicated tensions behind the scenes, saying Trump was deeply frustrated by the lack of allied support and warning of broader consequences for both Europe and the United States if the route remains unstable."

I am not sure when Lindsey Graham became the spokesperson for the administration since he is a member of congress, (an equal, but completely separate branch of the US government.) The way that Graham speaks these days, you would think that he sits at Trumps knee (oh that's right, he does.)

I’m surprised Graham can still talk at all, with his head so far up Trump’s @ss….

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Indeed. Then let them start building ballistic missiles again, allow them to take the next step with their 460 kg of 60% enriched uranium to weapons grade and let's send them another $1.7 billion dollars like Obama did while we're at it to help them on their way.

Some facts for you, which probably won't help a MAGA but would be helpful to intelligent folk........

Iran Nuclear Deal: Correcting Misconceptions

1. Misconception: The Iran Deal included a U.S. payment of $150 billion to Iran The Facts: The money that Iran receives from complying with the agreement is not a direct payment from the U.S. government. Instead, the funds are Iranian foreign assets, which the international sanctions regime prevented Iran from accessing. Under the JCPOA, these nuclear-related sanctions were waived after Iran verifiably completed its initial obligations. The $150 billion figure is also inaccurate. The amount of money Iran could access from these foreign reserves is about $100 billion. Of this amount, about half of it is tied up in Iranian foreign debts. As Treasury Secretary, Jacob Lew, testified before Congress, the actual amount that Iran would be able to use is about $50 billion.

2. Misconception: The Iran deal included a ransom payment for hostages The Facts: After implementation of the Iran Deal, the United States sent $1.7 billion to Iran. Some are now claiming this was a ransom payment for the return of American citizens that were being held hostage by Iran. Lisa Grosh, a legal advisor for the Department of State, testified before Congress that the $1.7 billion was comprised of $400 million that Iran had placed in a U.S. Foreign Military Sales trust fund and $1.3 billion in interest. At the time of the Iran deal negotiations, the United States and Iran were involved in a legal arbitration case over the amount of interest the U.S. owed on this fund. As for the fact that the payment coincided with the hostages’ release, Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Center explains that “the settlement and the prisoner release were two separate channels.” Once the settlement of the claim was determined, the U.S. simply did not issue payment until the separately-negotiated prisoner release was completed.

3. Misconception: “Breakout time” is the time needed to develop a nuclear bomb The Facts: Under the JCPOA, Iran’s “breakout time” is evaluated to be at least one year. But there is an important distinction between the “breakout time” and the amount of time needed to develop a credible nuclear weapon. A country’s “breakout time” is the time required to produce enough weapons-grade uranium or plutonium for one nuclear weapon. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates this amount to be about 25kg of highly enriched uranium (90% or more of enrichment). However, even if Iran had the required amount and enrichment level of uranium for a nuclear bomb, it would still need time to develop a viable weapon. This includes miniaturizing a nuclear weapon to be attached to a missile and producing a missile that functions accurately and reliably. Both of these developments are challenging and time-consuming. Furthermore, one untested nuclear weapon is not enough for a credible deterrent.

4. Misconception: The Iran Deal stopped Iran’s Nuclear Program The Facts: The objective of the JCPOA was to verifiably constrain Iran’s nuclear program and impede progress towards a nuclear weapon. However, the agreement does permit Iran to keep a comparatively small amount of monitored low-enriched uranium. Thus, the Iran Deal does not extinguish all Iranian nuclear activity, but constrains and restricts Iran’s ability to obtain a nuclear weapon.

To learn more about Iran’s obligations under the agreement, view the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation’s factsheet

14 minutes ago, xylophone said:

Some facts for you, which probably won't help a MAGA but would be helpful to intelligent folk........

Iran Nuclear Deal: Correcting Misconceptions

1. Misconception: The Iran Deal included a U.S. payment of $150 billion to Iran The Facts: The money that Iran receives from complying with the agreement is not a direct payment from the U.S. government. Instead, the funds are Iranian foreign assets, which the international sanctions regime prevented Iran from accessing. Under the JCPOA, these nuclear-related sanctions were waived after Iran verifiably completed its initial obligations. The $150 billion figure is also inaccurate. The amount of money Iran could access from these foreign reserves is about $100 billion. Of this amount, about half of it is tied up in Iranian foreign debts. As Treasury Secretary, Jacob Lew, testified before Congress, the actual amount that Iran would be able to use is about $50 billion.

2. Misconception: The Iran deal included a ransom payment for hostages The Facts: After implementation of the Iran Deal, the United States sent $1.7 billion to Iran. Some are now claiming this was a ransom payment for the return of American citizens that were being held hostage by Iran. Lisa Grosh, a legal advisor for the Department of State, testified before Congress that the $1.7 billion was comprised of $400 million that Iran had placed in a U.S. Foreign Military Sales trust fund and $1.3 billion in interest. At the time of the Iran deal negotiations, the United States and Iran were involved in a legal arbitration case over the amount of interest the U.S. owed on this fund. As for the fact that the payment coincided with the hostages’ release, Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Center explains that “the settlement and the prisoner release were two separate channels.” Once the settlement of the claim was determined, the U.S. simply did not issue payment until the separately-negotiated prisoner release was completed.

3. Misconception: “Breakout time” is the time needed to develop a nuclear bomb The Facts: Under the JCPOA, Iran’s “breakout time” is evaluated to be at least one year. But there is an important distinction between the “breakout time” and the amount of time needed to develop a credible nuclear weapon. A country’s “breakout time” is the time required to produce enough weapons-grade uranium or plutonium for one nuclear weapon. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates this amount to be about 25kg of highly enriched uranium (90% or more of enrichment). However, even if Iran had the required amount and enrichment level of uranium for a nuclear bomb, it would still need time to develop a viable weapon. This includes miniaturizing a nuclear weapon to be attached to a missile and producing a missile that functions accurately and reliably. Both of these developments are challenging and time-consuming. Furthermore, one untested nuclear weapon is not enough for a credible deterrent.

4. Misconception: The Iran Deal stopped Iran’s Nuclear Program The Facts: The objective of the JCPOA was to verifiably constrain Iran’s nuclear program and impede progress towards a nuclear weapon. However, the agreement does permit Iran to keep a comparatively small amount of monitored low-enriched uranium. Thus, the Iran Deal does not extinguish all Iranian nuclear activity, but constrains and restricts Iran’s ability to obtain a nuclear weapon.

To learn more about Iran’s obligations under the agreement, view the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation’s factsheet

Misconception: The Islamic regime would abide by the agreement.

4 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Misconception: The Islamic regime would abide by the agreement.

Misconception: The Islamic Trump regime would abide by the agreement.

3 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Misconception: The Islamic regime would abide by the agreement.

You have no evidence that they would not abide by the agrrement !! this is only Your opinion which by the way is worth less !!

6 hours ago, Emdog said:

"..Trump said, “We don’t need any help, actually,”"

Use of the word 'actually' is a 'tell' Trump is fibbing. Others include 'to tell the truth' and use of his 'accordion hands'.

Don't forget the "many people say.."

Or "everybody knows.." when only he and a couple of the most despicable hosts at Fox (Hannity, Watters) say and know.

6 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

USA under Trump is now a pariah country. Outcast in the international community, subjected to diplomatic isolation and severe stigma due to policies that violate global norm.

Yes, because that is indeed the main point. There would be no Trump without his 70 million voters. So forget about Trump. Just think about it: in that country live 70 miilion people who support such an foolish narcissist. What does that tell us ?

2 minutes ago, oustaristocrats said:

Yes, because that is indeed the main point. There would be no Trump without his 70 million voters. So forget about Trump. Just think about it: in that country live 70 miilion people who support such an foolish narcissist. What does that tell us ?

It tells us that lots of voters took Trump seriously but not literally. Boy were they wrong!