BY MIRABEL ODETA
Japan and Australia have made it clear that they currently have no plans to deploy naval vessels to the Middle East to escort commercial ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Their statements came after U.S. President Donald Trump urged allied nations to form a coalition aimed at reopening and protecting the narrow waterway, which has become a focal point of escalating tensions in the region.
The call for international support comes as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to intensify, sending shockwaves across the Middle East and creating uncertainty in global energy markets. Now entering its third week, the conflict has raised concerns about the safety of one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. Roughly 20 percent of global oil supplies move through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a key artery for energy shipments from the Gulf to markets around the world.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, President Trump emphasized that countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil should take responsibility for safeguarding the shipping route. According to him, those nations have a direct stake in maintaining the security of the passage since it is essential for their energy supplies.
Trump stated that his administration had already reached out to several countries to discuss the formation of a multinational effort to protect shipping in the strait. Although he did not specify the exact list of countries contacted, he previously mentioned that nations such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom should consider participating in the effort to ensure the continued flow of oil through the region.
Despite the appeal from Washington, Japan signaled that sending naval forces is not currently under consideration. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi explained to parliament that Japan’s post-World War II constitution, which renounces war and restricts the use of military force abroad, limits the country’s options. She noted that no decision has been made to dispatch escort ships and that Japan is still reviewing what actions it can legally and independently take within the framework of its constitution.
Takaichi emphasized that Tokyo is carefully evaluating possible responses that would both protect Japan’s interests and remain consistent with the country’s legal and constitutional obligations. Japan relies heavily on energy imports from the Gulf, making the stability of the Strait of Hormuz a matter of national importance, but any military involvement abroad requires careful deliberation.
Australia, another close Indo-Pacific ally of the United States, also indicated that it would not be sending naval ships to the region at this time. Officials in Canberra stated that the Australian government had not been formally asked to contribute naval forces and therefore had no plans to deploy vessels to escort ships through the contested waterway.
Australian cabinet minister Catherine King said in an interview with the national broadcaster that while Australia recognizes the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and energy security, the government has not been requested to participate in any naval mission. She added that Australia remains aware of the issue’s importance but is not currently contributing forces to such an operation.
The developments had an immediate effect on financial markets across Asia. Investors opened the week cautiously, reacting to the continuing geopolitical uncertainty and Trump’s comments about forming an international security coalition. Oil prices climbed slightly, with Brent crude rising more than one percent to trade above $104.50 per barrel. Meanwhile, several regional stock markets weakened as traders assessed the risks associated with the ongoing conflict and the potential disruption to global oil supplies.
Trump has also directed his attention toward China, arguing that Beijing has a strong incentive to support efforts to restore safe passage through the strait. China imports a significant portion of its oil from the Gulf, and the U.S. president suggested that the country should help ensure that shipping routes remain open.
According to Trump, he expects China to assist in reopening the strait ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this month. He warned that if China does not provide support, he may consider delaying the trip. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not yet issued an immediate response regarding the request for cooperation.
Pressure has also been directed toward European allies. Trump cautioned that the future of the North Atlantic alliance could face serious challenges if its members fail to support the United States during a period of heightened international tension. The warning came as European governments considered their own options regarding maritime security in the region.
Foreign ministers from the European Union are scheduled to discuss the possibility of strengthening an existing naval mission operating in the Middle East. However, diplomats have indicated that a decision to expand that mission specifically to the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely in the immediate term.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has already discussed the situation with Trump as well as with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Officials in London confirmed that conversations focused on the urgent need to restore safe navigation through the strait and prevent further escalation in the region. Meanwhile, the government of South Korea said it would carefully review Washington’s request before deciding whether to take part in any potential security arrangement.
While a limited number of Iranian vessels and some ships from other nations have still managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the route has effectively been closed to most international tanker traffic. The disruption began after the United States and Israel launched a major military campaign against Iran on February 28, initiating a series of strikes that reportedly targeted thousands of locations across the country.
Despite claims from U.S. officials that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely weakened, security concerns remain high throughout the Gulf region. Drone attacks have continued to pose a threat to nearby states and vital infrastructure.
Authorities in Dubai reported that they successfully contained a fire after a drone strike hit a fuel tank near the city’s major international airport. The incident forced a temporary suspension of flights at one of the world’s busiest travel hubs before operations resumed. Around the same time, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted dozens of drones in its eastern region within a single hour, highlighting the persistent security risks facing Gulf countries. No injuries were reported in either incident.
Amid growing economic uncertainty caused by rising oil prices, U.S. officials suggested that the conflict with Iran could end within weeks and predicted that energy costs would eventually fall once stability returns to the region. However, Iranian leaders have rejected suggestions that the country is seeking negotiations or a ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated during an interview that Iran had not requested a ceasefire or talks and remains prepared to defend itself for as long as necessary. His remarks contradicted claims by Trump that Tehran was interested in negotiating.
As tensions continue to simmer, the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. With global energy markets closely watching every development, the decisions made by major powers and regional players in the coming weeks could have significant consequences for international trade, oil prices, and geopolitical stability.
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