Kate Laurensen is a veteran reporter. She started out covering entertainment news for the local city paper before moving up to the City desk. She studied journalism at San Francisco City College for the Arts.
April 24 , 2026
WASHINGTON — Senior officials in the Trump administration reportedly explored a range of retaliatory measures against European allies during the ongoing 2026 conflict with Iran, including the possibility of disrupting maritime access near the Strait of Gibraltar, according to accounts of internal discussions and related policy deliberations.
The considerations emerged against the backdrop of a widening transatlantic rift following Europe’s reluctance to support U.S. military operations tied to the Iran war. Since the conflict began in late February, Washington has pressed allies to assist in securing critical shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies pass.
European governments, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, declined to participate in military operations, with some officials emphasizing that the conflict was not initiated in consultation with them and warning against escalation.
In response, internal U.S. policy discussions reportedly examined options for leveraging American naval power and geopolitical influence to pressure allies. Among the ideas raised was the concept of restricting or blockading access to the Strait of Gibraltar—a vital maritime gateway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and a key route for European trade.
The Iran conflict itself has intensified maritime tensions globally. The United States initiated a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping in April, aiming to constrain Tehran’s economic and military capabilities. In parallel, Iranian actions in and around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted commercial traffic and contributed to rising energy prices, increasing pressure on both Washington and its allies.
Defense officials have publicly emphasized the importance of allied participation in maintaining freedom of navigation, but European leaders have largely prioritized diplomatic solutions over direct military involvement. The divergence has exposed longstanding disagreements over burden-sharing and strategic decision-making within the transatlantic alliance.
Experts note that any attempt to interfere with shipping through the Strait of Gibraltar would carry significant legal, economic, and military risks, given its status as an international waterway critical to global commerce.
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