By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Australia and Japan Decline Trump’s Request to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz
Australia and Japan have indicated that they currently have no plans to deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, following an appeal from United States President Donald Trump for allied countries to help protect shipping in the strategic waterway amid tensions involving Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly sensitive due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Shipping activity has been severely disrupted, raising global concerns about oil supply because roughly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil passes through the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Over the weekend, President Trump urged several countries — including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, to join efforts aimed at securing the route and preventing further attacks on commercial vessels. He also warned that the future of NATO could be in jeopardy if member states fail to respond to the situation.
However, Japan’s Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, told lawmakers in parliament that Tokyo is not considering any maritime security deployment in the region for now, citing the delicate circumstances surrounding Iran.
In the United Kingdom, officials are said to be exploring alternative support measures. According to a report by The Guardian, British authorities are discussing the possible deployment of minesweeping drones to help maintain safe passage for ships, while some policymakers fear that sending naval warships could worsen tensions.
Australia has also ruled out sending vessels. Speaking to ABC, Transport Minister Catherine King said that although Australia understands the significance of the issue, Canberra has not received any request to contribute ships and does not intend to take part in such an operation at this time.
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