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trategists have long considered that an attack on Iran could trigger a retaliatory closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz by the regime in Tehran. This narrow waterway sees 20% of global oil production pass through it. The White House's lack of foresight since the outbreak of this war on February 28, which no imminent threat justified, is all the more surprising.

The appeal made on March 14 by Donald Trump to countries including France, the United Kingdom and Italy – who were almost ordered to assist the United States in ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait – provided further evidence of this. Trump faced understandable and justified mistrust. Indeed, participating would risk dragging these countries into a war they did not choose.

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'This is not our war': Europe refuses to be dragged into Trump's war with Iran