- March 17, 2026
- 3:31 pm
- World News
US President Donald Trump has sharply increased diplomatic pressure on allies amid the crisis in the Persian Gulf. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has become a tool for testing loyalty, and the issue of supporting Ukraine has become a lever of influence on European capitals.
It is not only about a military operation against Iran but also about redistributing responsibility among allies. For the Israeli audience, this plot is directly important: instability in the region, oil prices, and the balance of power in the Persian Gulf directly affect Israel’s security and its economy.
How Trump is forming a ‘list of allies’ and pressuring Europe
Personal calls and a ‘loyalty’ scale
Donald Trump, by his own admission, personally contacts state leaders and demands participation in the operation to ensure the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s key oil artery.
He makes it clear: it is not so much about military necessity as it is about testing allies.
France found itself among the countries that received a conditionally positive assessment. Trump rated President Emmanuel Macron ‘8 out of 10’, indicating that Paris remains among the partners, but not without reservations.
A completely different tone is directed at the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer came under harsh criticism, and here for the first time, a direct linkage was made: aid to Ukraine may depend on London’s participation in the Middle Eastern operation.
In fact, the White House signals: allied obligations are becoming interdependent.
Ukraine as a tool of pressure
In Trump’s statements, a new logic is clearly traced. Ukraine is no longer considered solely as a separate front against Russia — it becomes part of a broader geopolitical deal.
Washington makes it clear: support for Kyiv is not unconditional and may be adjusted depending on the behavior of allies in other regions.
For Israel, this is a worrying signal. Any changes in the US alliance system automatically reflect on the entire security architecture in the Middle East.
Why allies refuse and what it means for the region
The EU and Asia are not rushing into conflict
Despite Trump’s statements about the ‘willingness of many countries to help’, key players are showing caution.
China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia — countries critically dependent on oil supplies from the Persian Gulf — refused to participate in the operation.
The European Union also distances itself. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated directly: no member state has expressed readiness to engage in military actions.
The reason is simple: the risk of escalation with Iran is too high, and the consequences are unpredictable.
Iran strengthens its position
Amid disagreements within the Western coalition, Iran takes a tougher stance. Tehran demands the complete lifting of sanctions, the return of frozen assets, and the withdrawal of American bases from the region.
This is no longer a pressure tactic — it is an attempt to impose new rules of the game.
It is in this context that the issue of Israel’s security comes to the forefront. The weakening of Western coordination objectively strengthens Iran’s position in the region.
In the midst of this geopolitical tension, the editorial team of NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency records a key trend: the Middle East is once again becoming the center of global bargaining between superpowers.
How Russia profits from the crisis
Rising oil prices and the Kremlin’s benefits
While allies argue, Russia gains direct economic benefits. Oil prices rising above $100 per barrel increase Moscow’s revenues.
According to international sources, Russian companies are actively increasing tanker loads, taking advantage of the situation and the weakening of sanctions control.
This creates a paradox: the conflict aimed against Iran indirectly strengthens Russia’s economic positions.
China between risks and benefits
China finds itself in a difficult position. Up to 95% of its oil imports pass through the Persian Gulf, yet Beijing avoids direct participation in the operation.
Moreover, negotiations between Xi Jinping and Trump have been postponed for at least a month.
This indicates a deep crisis of coordination between the world’s largest economies.
What this means for Israel and Ukraine
The situation in the Persian Gulf goes far beyond a regional conflict. It affects global supply chains, fuel costs, and strategic alliances.
For Israel, this means increased risks in the southern and northern directions, as well as the need for readiness for independent decisions.
For Ukraine — a new level of uncertainty. Western support becomes less predictable and increasingly depends on other geopolitical factors.
Against this backdrop, the main question remains open: is the West ready to act as a united bloc — or has the era of ‘conditional alliances’ already begun.