Morning Joe Allies reject Trump’s call for Strait of Hormuz escorts
Mar 17, 2026
Jay Billis, an ESPN college basketball analyst, and Jonathan Lemire, a political writer and commentator, join the conversation. They dig into tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and allies refusing naval escorts. They examine regional strikes, rising risks of wider conflict, and how U.S. relations with partners shape strategy and political consequences.
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Keep TSA Coast Guard And FEMA Funding Separate
- Fund critical homeland agencies separately to avoid security gaps during shutdowns.
- Mika Brzezinski notes GOP killed unanimous-consent measures to refund TSA, Coast Guard and FEMA, worsening airport lines and operations.
Asymmetric Warfare Can Convert Tactical Wins Into Strategic Risk
- Iran retains asymmetric cards like closing the Strait of Hormuz, driving up oil prices, and proxy attacks despite military losses.
- Hosts warn political effects can outweigh battlefield successes if oil shocks and terror fears persist.
Allies Refuse Hormuz Escort Requests
- Allies Germany, Japan, Italy and Australia refused Trump's call to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, citing it's not their war or desire to avoid wider conflict.
- Trump framed their reluctance as a loyalty test and later claimed the U.S. doesn't need them.