Trending Now - Trump Seeks Coalition Amid Rising Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
WHO:
US President Donald Trump
Brett McGurk, CNN global affairs analyst, former envoy for Presidents Obama and Trump
Countries mentioned: United States, Iran, United Kingdom, Denmark, China
WHAT:
Trump demands help from other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
A record-setting 135 countries co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf.
The resolution invoked the right of collective self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The coalition to combat ISIS grew to nearly 80 countries between 2014 and 2018.
A naval coalition to protect the Bab el Mandeb passage grew to nearly 20 countries in 2023 and 2024.
WHERE:
Strait of Hormuz
Bab el Mandeb (“Gate of Tears”)
WHEN:
The articles reference events occurring in 2026, 2024, and 2023.
The UN Security Council resolution was adopted in early 2024.
The coalition to combat ISIS was built between 2014 and 2018.
Trump turned down the UK’s offer of assistance last week (week of March 10th, 2026).
The feud with Denmark over Greenland occurred last month (February 2026).
WHY:
The need for a coalition arises from military dominance by the US and Israel and asymmetrical responses from Iran.
Iran's tactics are described as predictable and a threat to the global economy.
HOW:
Building a military coalition involves legal and political decisions taken in individual countries.
The process often starts with the United Nations.
The Trump administration has engaged in diplomacy to secure participation from other countries.
The US military is setting conditions for coalition success by targeting Iran’s missile, drone, and naval capabilities.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 09:16 UTC)
Today, President Trump is calling for international assistance to secure the Strait of Hormuz, following a record-setting 135 countries co-sponsoring a UN Security Council resolution that condemns Iran’s attacks in the Gulf and invokes the right of collective self-defense. This comes after Trump declined the UK's offer of help last week and amid ongoing tensions with Iran, which are seen as a threat to the global economy. The Trump administration is actively working to build a military coalition, engaging in diplomacy and targeting Iran’s military capabilities to ensure success in this effort.