TEHRAN, March 17, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump on Monday demanded that US allies help secure the Strait of Hormuz, but European powers pushed back on a possible mission to reopen the vital waterway shut by Iran in response to US-Israeli attacks. Trump said he thought Britain and France would get involved in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz -- but only reluctantly. Japan, Australia, Poland, Spain, Greece and Sweden also distanced themselves from any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz. - Lebanon ground assault -On another key front in the wider war, Israel announced "limited ground operations" against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon "aimed at enhancing the forward defence area". The leaders of five Western countries said in a joint statement Monday that a large-scale Israeli ground operation in Lebanon "must be averted".

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 17, 2026 03:28 UTC