Live Middle East crisis: Trump vents frustration at allies over Hormuz Strait; Iran denies reports of direct contact with the U.S.

Trump says he is ‘not pleased’ with Britain and ‘quite surprised’ by its public reaction to the Iran conflict overall

Donald Trump declared he was “not pleased” with Britain and “quite surprised” by its public reaction to the Iran conflict overall.

The American leader said Britain had refused a plea to dispatch vessels to the Middle East, and noted that a subsequent proposal to send aircraft carriers for the operation arrived too late.

“I think they may take part,” he remarked, “but they ought to engage wholeheartedly.”

Nevertheless, Trump, addressing a White House gathering, said he had conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron, who he claimed was prepared to assist in clearing the Strait of Hormuz.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is slated to reveal which nations have offered to support the United States now publicly.

During the same briefing, Trump reiterated his appeal to other governments to assist in reopening maritime traffic through the strait, noting that some had told him they were on their way while others were “not eager” to help.

The president wants foreign powers to help monitor the waterway after Iran answered US‑Israeli strikes by deploying drones, missiles and mines that effectively sealed the passage for tankers that normally carry about one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

Some are very keen, others are not. Certain nations we have assisted for decades. We have shielded them from hostile forces, yet their enthusiasm was limited. The degree of their commitment matters to me in this particular situation today.