Strait of Hormuz in the balance: Iran blocks passage, the West considers a coalition

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has the world on edge, with Iran playing a delicate game between diplomacy and military strength, while Western powers push to unlock this vital artery of global trade. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed in an interview with CBS News that several countries, without naming them, have approached Tehran for safe passage for their ships through the currently blocked strait. "It is up to our armed forces to decide," he cut short, implying that tensions remain high and that every move depends on the ongoing war context.

Meanwhile, from the Atlantic front comes a decisive push: U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke last night to discuss the "importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz," as confirmed by Downing Street. The two leaders laid out the global economic impact of the disruption of maritime traffic, which is driving up energy costs worldwide. Trump, earlier yesterday, had urged oil-dependent countries that transit through Hormuz to coordinate with Washington to ensure the safety of the route, a call that sounds like a prelude to concrete action.

Alliances and Divergences Among Powers

Not only the USA and the UK: Japan also enters the debate with a half-hour phone call between Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his American counterpart Pete Hegseth, just days after their last meeting on March 10. Hegseth provided an overview of developments in the Middle East, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to strengthen deterrence in the U.S.-Japan alliance without touching the deployment of troops in Japan, which remains fully ready. Koizumi responded by emphasizing how crucial peace in the Strait is for Tokyo and the international community, promising close dialogue with all involved parties. Japanese forces, for their part, are closely monitoring the areas around the country.

But not everyone is marching in unison: Germany has put a firm brake on things. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, interviewed by Ard, has categorically ruled out military intervention to protect commercial ships. "Will we soon become an active part of this conflict? No," he declared, echoing the hardline stance of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. For Berlin, the security of Hormuz relies solely on a "negotiated solution", speaking directly with Iran, without armed shortcuts.

The American coalition on the horizon

And while diplomacy intertwines, the Trump administration seems ready to take action: according to the Wall Street Journal, it could announce this week the formation of an international coalition to escort ships through the Strait, which borders the Iranian coast. Discussions are ongoing about the timing – whether before or after the end of hostilities – but many countries remain cautious, discouraged by the risks of direct involvement. The White House, for now, is hesitant, leaving the door open for possible adjustments based on the evolving crisis.

In such an unstable context, the Strait of Hormuz is not just a matter of oil: it is the thermometer of a Middle East under pressure, where every phone call and statement can shift economic and geopolitical balances. Iran holds the reins, but requests for safe passage from various states suggest cracks in the blockade. Trump and Starmer aim for a quick unblocking to calm the markets, Japan watches without venturing, and Germany bets on dialogue. It remains to be seen whether the USA coalition will take off and, above all, whether it will be enough to reopen the route without triggering an escalation.