Several major US allies and partners are yet to commit to a proposal by Donald Trump urging countries to deploy warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz following tensions that have effectively disrupted shipping in the critical energy corridor.
Trump had called on nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to deploy naval vessels to protect commercial shipping moving through the vital route for global oil supply.
However, none of the countries mentioned have publicly agreed to the proposal so far.
A spokesperson for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence told US media that Britain is “currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”
Officials at the Chinese embassy also emphasised the need for de-escalation.
Speaking to US media, they said Beijing is urging an end to hostilities, adding that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.”
In Japan, government officials signalled that Tokyo would not automatically comply with the request. According to local media, they stated that “Japan decides its own response, and independent judgement is fundamental.”
France has also ruled out deploying its naval assets for the mission. In a statement posted on X, the French Foreign Ministry said, “No, the French aircraft carrier and its group are staying [in] the eastern Mediterranean.”
Meanwhile, the presidential office in South Korea said on Sunday it would carefully review Trump’s appeal and would “communicate closely” with the United States before taking any decision.
