Britain and France Decline U.S. Request to Join Hormuz Shipping Protection Force

Britain and France have rejected a U.S. request to join an international naval task force that would protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz. That is according to a report published today (Wednesday) by the website "Politico." The countries informed the initiative's architect, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who had approached the defense ministers of France and Britain on the matter.

The Americans proposed establishing the naval force to strengthen maritime security in Hormuz, following tensions and military activity by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in the strait. According to the report, "The two European countries said they want a lasting ceasefire in the Iran war. It is the latest sign that Washington's repeated outbursts toward its closest partners have had consequences."

The report noted that Hegseth and President Donald Trump have repeatedly "scolded" European countries in recent months over their refusal to intervene in the war in Iran. But the current U.S. effort to seek assistance from allies comes after months of fighting that led to rising gas prices, an angry public, and the prolonged closure of the strait.

As a reminder, the United States has suspended its strikes on Iran since Friday, following 12 days of renewed bombardments. Overnight, the Iranians broke the calm and attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz.