The American "Politico News Network" published an exclusive report on July 28, stating that European allies are refusing to support the United States' efforts to establish a joint patrol force in the Strait of Hormuz, unless they see a long-term ceasefire in the Iran war.
U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel is urging Britain and France to assist in forming this “Naval Alliance”. However, four British officials and one U.S. official have revealed that even with the help of British Defense Secretary Stritch, Hagel still faces doubts throughout Europe.
Reports indicate that this operation is the most substantial attempt by the US to seek allies’ assistance to date. Over the past few months, Hagel and US President Trump have been accusing European countries of refusing to intervene in the conflict in Iran.
US and UK officials plan to hold an international meeting in London to clarify the responsibilities of various countries in the Hormuz Strait, including determining which warships will be tasked with searching for mines or protecting civilian ships as they pass through the strait. However, five officials interviewed said that progress on this matter is very slow, and no significant developments are expected in the short term.
According to a British official, Haggis discussed the idea of joint patrols during a phone call with Streitting last Friday. The official said that the focus of this conversation was on how the United States and the UK could unite their allies to support American defensive actions, rather than supporting offensive strikes against Iran.
Strittin said on Sunday that the UK "has not participated, and will not participate in any offensive military actions by the United States against Iran. There are differences between us and the United States in this regard. However, we share the same position with the United States regarding ensuring freedom of navigation and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz."
British officials said that Hegesser and Stratten then spoke by phone with French Defense Minister Catherine Watrin on the 28th, discussing how to 'work together to ensure the safety of shipping in the region'.
According to two European officials, U.S. allies are dissatisfied with the Trump administration for not informing them in advance before the U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran in February this year. Moreover, without considering them as partners at the White House, they are cautious about embarking on a new mission that carries a high risk.
"No negotiation with Congress, no negotiation with allies, just a 'Boom' straight to the point." said Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware.
He added that Trump is “extremely frustrated that Congress does not support him, that the American people do not support him, and that our core allies do not support him. You hosted a ‘party,’ but nobody was invited… so don’t blame anyone for not coming.”
