BRUSSELS: European countries on Monday sought more details about US President Donald Trump’s plans for the war on Iran and warned that NATO must not become involved in it, as they weighed whether to agree to his call to send warships to help shore up security in the Arabian Gulf. The cool response to Trump’s demand reflects wide caution about the US-Israeli war among allies kept in the dark before, and largely since, it was launched on Feb. 28. Trump has asked partners — including France, China, Japan, South Korea and Britain — to help secure the Strait of Hormuz for global shipping.

He gave little detail beyond saying he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK would also send warships.

The US president says he hopes China, France, Japan and South Korea will also send ships to defend the key oil shipping route.