By Azam Tariq

The United States has faced limited military backing from its traditional allies as it engaged in military operations against Iran in recent weeks, with most partners offering political support but avoiding direct involvement. As the Trump administration moved ahead with efforts linked to securing the Strait of Hormuz, several NATO members and long-standing partners refrained from contributing military assets, reflecting growing caution within Western alliances.

President Donald Trump had to publicly express frustration over the reluctance of allies to participate. He noted that some countries hosting large numbers of US troops have declined to provide even limited operational support, such as mine-sweeping capabilities.

The US administration’s decision to launch “Operation Epic Fury” without congressional approval or authorisation from the United Nations Security Council added to the difficulty of building a broader coalition, as allies balanced diplomatic alignment with domestic political and legal constraints. The differences have also appeared at the leadership level.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has questioned the legal basis of the military campaign, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasised the importance of adhering to international law. In response, President Trump criticised allied contributions, stating that NATO members have done “absolutely nothing” and suggesting that the United States may need to reassess its expectations of the alliance.

Commenting on the situation, Adil Seemab, Associate Professor of International Relations at Hazara University, told Wealth Pakistan that the hesitation reflects practical state behaviour rather than a breakdown of alliances. “States act not only on shared values but also on material interests such as economic stability, domestic pressure, energy security and military risk,” he said.

He noted that countries such as Germany, Japan and Australia are cautious about entering a conflict that could disrupt trade flows and their internal political balance, adding that their restraint reflects calculated decision-making. Seemab said the current situation shows that while alliances remain intact, participation in military operations is becoming more conditional.

Zaeem Hassan Mehmood, Senior Researcher and PhD Scholar at Greenwich University Karachi, said the situation highlights a growing gap between political alignment and military burden-sharing. He explained that many allies are maintaining diplomatic support for Washington while avoiding direct involvement in a conflict where their immediate strategic interests appear limited.

Mehmood added that concerns over legal legitimacy also play a role, as military action perceived as unilateral can increase domestic political pressure on allied governments. For European countries, he pointed to additional constraints including limited fiscal space, parliamentary oversight requirements and a strong focus on regional security priorities.

Credit: INP-WealthPk