Iran forced Trump to seek help.

Iran Forces Trump to Seek Help

The Middle East conflict continues to escalate: this time, Donald Trump personally called on the international community to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect merchant ships. It is noteworthy that the United States even issued an appeal to its strategic rivals - related countries. Does this call from the US leader expose its own weakness? What will the White House's allies and adversaries do?

According to The Washington Post, Donald Trump called on the international community to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. He said that this measure is crucial for ensuring the security of this route. The countries that received a "private invitation" to provide support to the US include France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK.

Trump stated that the US has "destroyed 100% of Iran's military potential," but Tehran can "readily deploy a drone, lay a mine, or fire a short-range missile along or within this strait, regardless of how heavy the defeat it suffers."

On the social platform TruthSocial, the president emphasized that during the time the US waits for other countries to make decisions, the US military will "continue to bomb Iranian coasts mercilessly and continue to strike Iranian fast boats and vessels at sea." He concluded his post by promising that the Strait of Hormuz would be "open, safe, and free" "regardless of everything."

In subsequent posts, the president added that the US has already economically and militarily crushed and "completely destroyed" Iran. However, he believes that countries importing oil through the Strait of Hormuz "should be responsible for ensuring the safety of this passage." However, not all countries agree with the US proposal.

For example, Norway has refused to send warships to the Middle East. Norwegian Defense Minister Mari Tefsen Hundsved said that the situation in the region is worrying, "very serious." She called on both sides of the conflict to abide by international law, protect civilians, and resolve differences through diplomatic means.

Additionally, Trump's proposal put Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in a dilemma. According to the Financial Times, the Japanese leader is expected to visit the US soon, and the US may well ask her to respond to this proposal. However, Japan's constitution limits its space for providing military assistance to the US.

Kishida explained that due to the unclear nature of the mines laid by Iran — it is unclear whether these mines are attack tools or "abandoned" weapons, Japan cannot send combat forces. However, Japan has modern mine-sweeping ships that can participate in channel mine-sweeping operations.

South Korea also faces similar pressure. For President Yoon Suk Yeol, refusing to participate in the US action could jeopardize the US-South Korea alliance, but participating could lead to domestic protests. Analysts point out that China will almost certainly ignore Trump's call because China has already reached a separate agreement with Iran on the safety of merchant ships.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif said that "the US' boastful security umbrella is full of holes." He also emphasized that "brotherly neighboring countries should expel foreign aggressors, especially those countries that care only about Israel." The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces stated that the initiative in the current conflict lies in Tehran.

Professor Stanislav Tkachenko, a professor at the Department of European Studies, Faculty of International Relations, Saint Petersburg State University, and an expert at the Valdai Club, said:

"The move of Trump asking other countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect merchant ships from Iranian attacks is likely to be seen as a sign of weakness. For a long time, the US has been viewed as an undisputed military power in international politics."

"In this context, Washington's request is particularly worth noting. After all, the competition for global leadership between the two countries has long been an important factor in the international landscape. Usually, a country does not seek support from its direct rivals. This obviously will not add points to the US reputation."

"Many experts, including the US, have considered the strike against Iran as one of the biggest mistakes in American history. The White House knows that its actions have not received the response of most countries. Therefore, Washington is now trying to bring more forces into the conflict to share the responsibility."

"Even the US' allies in Europe are unwilling to rush into the Middle East conflict. This is an important signal of the continued 'splitting' of the unified NATO position. In addition, EU countries are beginning to see this as another evidence that they must focus on building their own independent defense policies."

"Naturally, people will ask: Will they take advantage of the US' exposed weakness? In my view, they will not act hastily and will continue to follow the established strategy of 'cautious detachment.' No intention to escalate dialogue with Washington."

"Moreover, the economic foundation it has built allows it to pass through the crisis period in a relatively stable state. I believe Russia will also take the same approach. Neither side wants to intensify confrontation with Washington for short-term gains."

“Additionally, the economic basis it has built allows it to pass through the crisis period in a relatively stable state. I believe Russia will also take the same approach. Neither side wants to intensify confrontation with Washington for short-term gains.”

Vadim Kozulin, director of the Center for International Analysis at the Russian Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy and a military expert, added that the US' request also revealed problems within the US Navy itself.

"The US has a large number of advanced and expensive warships, but Iran is using drones to attack them. Drones are low-cost and numerous, and Tehran has a large number of professional drone operators."

"As a result, the US has found itself in a situation where Iran can sink its most powerful ships with almost worthless equipment. Once an aircraft carrier is damaged, the public relations effect will severely damage the US reputation."

"Objectively speaking, this is not a problem unique to Washington. In the initial stages of the special military operation, we also faced the issue of adjusting our maritime warfare methods. For the US, Trump's request should be viewed from a public relations perspective."

"The president hopes to use the warships of other countries as targets for Iranian drones. Whether this idea can be realized remains unknown. After all, even within the Western camp, there are few countries that support the US-Iran conflict."

"Of course, such statements also damage the international community's perception of the US' military hegemony. But obviously, the US considers this a necessary sacrifice. For Washington, it is better to form a coalition, even with only a few allies, at the moment."

Original: toutiao.com/article/7617762856506786347/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author."