Europeans hold back on Hormuz patrol until Iran ceasefire holds

European allies are reluctant to back a U.S.-led Strait of Hormuz patrol until there is a durable ceasefire in the Iran war, despite a push by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for a multinational coalition led by the U.K. and France. London talks have produced little momentum, with allies criticizing the White House for sidelining partners and fearing a risky new mission given recent tensions. Iran says there is no true ceasefire as fighting continues, while shipping through the strait remains disrupted and fuel prices rise; two U.S. carrier groups and other ships remain in the region, raising readiness concerns as maintenance is deferred and deployment costs mount.