U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated willingness to assist the United States in efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a White House event, the president recounted a conversation with Macron that took place on Sunday and described France as prepared to help with the initiative. Trump said he anticipates further details on participating countries will follow when "Secretary of State Marco Rubio" announces the names of nations prepared to aid the U.S. in the effort.
Trump also voiced surprise about the initial reaction from the United Kingdom, saying he was "not happy" with the UK's early response. He added that he nonetheless believes the United Kingdom may ultimately become part of the coalition.
The president has made public invitations to other states to take part in the operation, saying it serves a common interest to make the Strait of Hormuz safe for the passage of tankers. That line of argument was reiterated during his remarks at the White House event on Monday.
The remarks combined an account of recent diplomatic contact with a preview of planned announcements about which countries will join the initiative. Beyond those statements, the administration's next public steps include the expected naming of partner countries by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Trump.
Context and next steps
The president's comments tied together three elements made public at the White House event: the recent phone call with Emmanuel Macron, the forthcoming disclosure of partner nations by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the administration's outreach to other governments to secure the strait for tanker traffic.
What remains unresolved in public remarks
- The precise list of countries willing to assist has not yet been released; Trump said those names will be announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- The nature and timing of any operational steps to ensure tanker passage were not detailed in the remarks given at the event.
The president's statements underline an ongoing diplomatic effort and the administration's focus on international co-operation to address navigational safety in a strategic waterway. Additional announcements, according to the president, are imminent via the official channel he named.