The Trump administration ordered American diplomats worldwide to urge allies to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued the directive on March 16, sent to all US diplomatic and consular missions.

Diplomats were given a deadline of March 20 to deliver the message to counterparts "at the highest appropriate level," and efforts should be coordinated with Israeli partners.

The administration is trying to mobilize hesitant allies — many of whom were not previously informed about the US and Israeli air campaign two weeks ago — to support military operations.

Several US allies announced on Monday that they have no intention of deploying ships to help American forces in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting Trump's request.

The directive states: "With the increased risk from Iran and associated terrorist groups, all governments must act swiftly to reduce Iran's capacity to attack our nations and citizens."