Japan and Australia have said they will not deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz for now, responding to a request by Donald Trump for international support to secure the waterway.
The development comes amid heightened tensions linked to conflict involving Iran, which has raised fears over global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments pass.
Over the weekend, Trump called on several countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, to help safeguard vessels moving through the waterway.
He also warned that North Atlantic Treaty Organization could face a “very dire” future if its members fail to take action.
Japan’s Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, told parliament that the country was not considering a maritime security operation at the moment due to the current situation involving Iran.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is reportedly considering alternative measures, including deploying minesweeping drones to the strait, according to a report by The Guardian.
In Australia, Transport Minister Catherine King said the country would not be sending naval vessels.
“We recognise the critical importance of this matter, but it is not something we have been requested to do, nor are we contributing to it,” King said in an interview with Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
