Washington, March 17 -- US allies are pushing back against pressure from Donald Trump to join a military coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring widening divisions among transatlantic partners as Washington and Tel Aviv's war with Tehran has triggered a massive economic crisis following the virtual paralysis of the strait.
The narrow waterway, which carries roughly 20% of global oil supply, has become the central flashpoint in the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.
With the three nations at war, shipping in West Asia has been severely disrupted, placing excessive strain on energy markets as prices continue to surge.
Washington has approached partners including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Sou...