On 14/3, the US president called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to dispatch warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This appeal came after conflict erupted on 28/2, leading to Iran's near-blockade of the Strait, a vital global oil shipping lane, and causing global energy prices to surge.
British media reported on 15/3 that Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, stated he was "not ready" to agree to the proposal to send warships. The office of the British prime minister confirmed the two leaders discussed "the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz", but did not detail the content. British Energy Minister Ed Miliband indicated the government was "carefully considering" actions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, yet declined to make a firm commitment. British leaders are reportedly considering deploying mine-clearing drones but are not yet prepared to dispatch any warships.
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The cargo ship Mayuree Naree emits black smoke after an attack near the Strait of Hormuz, 11/3. Photo: AFP |
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also stated on 16/3 that Japan has no plans to deploy naval vessels to escort ships in the Middle East. According to Ms. Takaichi, Japan is considering what it can do "independently and within the framework of the law". Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, speaking to parliament on the same day, affirmed that given the current situation in Iran, Tokyo "is not yet considering conducting a maritime security operation".
Australia, a key US security ally in the Indo-Pacific region, also announced it would not send naval vessels. "We are well aware of the particular importance of the issue, but this is not something we have been asked to do, and Australia is not contributing to this effort", said Ms. Catherine King, a cabinet member for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
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The Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: WSJ |
Anonymous US officials later told WSJ that Mr. Trump would announce the formation of an international coalition to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. The composition of this coalition, including which nations' warships would be involved, is currently unclear.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Telegraph, Reuters)
