Trump pushes for Gulf coalition to guard Hormuz as Japan and Australia decline escort role

President Trump said the U.S. is in talks with seven nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israel–Iran conflict, while Japan and Australia said they will not send naval vessels to escort ships and have not been asked. He urged China and European allies to participate and warned NATO it faces a bleak future if it doesn’t help; he also hinted he could delay his Beijing trip if China does not assist. Oil prices stayed elevated as markets remained cautious, drones attacked Gulf targets, and Iran vowed to defend itself as Western-led efforts to reopen the strait continued.