By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continued to rise on Monday after several key American allies declined a request from U.S. President to deploy naval forces to help escort commercial vessels through the critical .
The strategic waterway, one of the most important oil transit routes in the world, has been largely disrupted as the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its third week. Nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the narrow strait, making the conflict a major concern for global energy markets and economic stability.
Allies reluctant to join naval mission
Despite Washington’s request for assistance, several European partners—including , , and —said they currently have no plans to send warships to escort tankers through the region.
German Chancellor explained that Germany could not participate militarily without an official mandate from organizations such as the , the , or . He also noted that Berlin had not been consulted before the United States and Israel began their military campaign against Iran.
“As things stand, the question of Germany becoming militarily involved simply does not arise,” Merz said.
The refusal from some partners appeared to frustrate Trump, who criticized allies that have long benefited from American military protection but were hesitant to support the new maritime security effort.
Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Trump said some countries were willing to help, but others were showing little enthusiasm.
“We’ve protected many of these countries for years from very serious threats,” Trump said. “Some are very enthusiastic about helping, and some aren’t. The level of enthusiasm matters.”
Strait closure shakes global energy markets
The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has reportedly deployed naval mines and drones to threaten or block maritime traffic. The disruption has pushed global oil prices higher, raising concerns about inflation and potential supply shortages.
The situation briefly worsened after Iranian drones struck near fuel storage facilities close to in the , forcing the suspension of flights for several hours. Iran-linked drone activity also targeted oil infrastructure near the strategic port of , a key export hub for Emirati crude oil.
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting dozens of drones in its eastern region within a single hour, though authorities said no casualties were recorded.
Israel prepares for extended military campaign
Meanwhile, Israel signaled that the war could continue for weeks. According to Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel , detailed operational plans are in place for at least three more weeks of strikes against Iranian targets.
Israel says the objective of its campaign is to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten the country by targeting missile infrastructure, nuclear-related facilities, and key components of Iran’s security apparatus.
“We want to ensure the regime’s military capabilities are significantly degraded,” Shoshani told reporters. “There are still thousands of potential targets.”
Israeli forces have reportedly carried out strikes in multiple Iranian cities including , , and . Among the targets hit was the notorious in Tehran, which houses many political prisoners.
Iran vows retaliation
Iran has responded by launching missile and drone attacks toward Israeli territory and against U.S. military facilities in the region. The country’s powerful warned that it would expand its operations and could target American industrial facilities across the Middle East.
Iran’s foreign minister said Tehran had not requested a ceasefire and had not exchanged messages with Washington regarding negotiations. He also warned that countries hosting U.S. forces in the region could face consequences if their bases are used to launch attacks against Iran.
Civilian toll rises in Iran
The ongoing airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties. Iranian officials say hundreds of civilians have been killed since the conflict began, including around 200 children. Local media reported that overnight strikes in Markazi province killed at least five people and wounded several others.
In Tehran, rescue workers were seen searching through the rubble of a residential building hit during an air raid. Residents reported widespread internet outages overnight, leaving many feeling isolated from the outside world.
One resident, a 62-year-old woman speaking through messaging apps, described a growing sense of despair.
“People are being killed just days before Nowruz,” she said, referring to the Iranian New Year celebrated on March 20. “Nobody is in the mood to celebrate. We just want this suffering to end.”
Oil markets show brief stability
Despite the escalating conflict and disruptions to shipping routes, global oil markets showed a brief period of stability. Prices, which had climbed above $100 per barrel earlier in the crisis, fell slightly after U.S. Treasury Secretary said some Iranian fuel vessels were still being allowed to pass through the strait.
He also suggested that tankers from countries such as India and China had successfully navigated the waterway despite the tensions.
However, analysts warn that unless the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened and secured, energy markets could remain volatile in the coming weeks as the war shows little sign of ending.
Source Reuters
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