Trump secures promises for Strait of Hormuz protection, no ships committed

President Donald Trump said the US has received “some positive response” after reaching out to various countries for help in securing the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.

“We contacted today and last night, but we’ve had some positive response. We had a few that would rather not get involved,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One on March 15, without identifying which countries were contacted.

Several nations have responded to Trump’s appeal but have not agreed to send ships to the strait, which has effectively been closed since the start of the war.

Japan currently has no plans to dispatch vessels, said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. “We have not yet made any decisions regarding the dispatch of naval vessels. We are currently examining what Japan can do independently within our legal framework,” she told parliament.

Australia will also refrain from sending ships. “We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to,” said Transport Minister Catherine King on March 16.

South Korea will review Trump’s request carefully, Reuters reported on March 15, quoting a statement from its presidential office. “We will communicate closely with the US regarding this matter and make a decision after careful review.”

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said on March 15 that the United Kingdom is exploring “any options” to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. He did not provide specifics but added, “there are different ways that we could contribute,” and that these possibilities were being examined in coordination with allies.

A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington declined to say whether the country plans to deploy naval forces to the region, telling CNN on March 14 that China calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada