What are Trump's options in Iran as oil stops flowing and allies resist joining war?

NPR | By Mary Louise Kelly,

Greg Myre, Franco Ordoñez

Published March 16, 2026 at 12:30 PM AKDT

Iran has effectively shut down the flow of oil from the Gulf region. President Trump hasn't offered a clear solution. Trump is calling for allies to assist the U.S. military in removing the Iranian threat, and many of the allies are resisting.

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a co-host of All Things Considered, NPR's award-winning afternoon newsmagazine.

Greg Myre

Greg Myre is a national security correspondent with a focus on the intelligence community, a position that follows his many years as a foreign correspondent covering conflicts around the globe.

Franco Ordoñez

Franco Ordoñez is a White House Correspondent for NPR's Washington Desk. Before he came to NPR in 2019, Ordoñez covered the White House for McClatchy. He has also written about diplomatic affairs, foreign policy and immigration, and has been a correspondent in Cuba, Colombia, Mexico and Haiti.