A growing divide has emerged among Western allies after President Donald Trump urged partners to send warships to escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Countries including Germany, Spain and Italy have declined, citing legal limitations, the lack of consultation before the strikes on Iran, and the absence of a mandate from organisations such as NATO, the EU or the United Nations.

On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Leon Goldsmith, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Middle East Politics at the University of Otago, to examine why some US allies are reluctant to get involved, what this reveals about tensions within Western alliances, and what it could mean for efforts to secure one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.