Several key US allies have rejected, resisted, or declined to commit to Donald Trump’s demand that they deploy naval vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, exposing growing international caution over Washington’s proposed military initiative in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
According to reports by Al Jazeera and Reuters, the response to the US appeal has been muted, with allies opting for restraint rather than rallying behind the plan. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint through which around 20 percent of the world’s oil passes, making it central to global energy security.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration had contacted seven countries and insisted they should help protect shipping routes they depend on economically.
“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory because it is their territory,” Trump said, though he did not name the countries directly. In a weekend social media post, he said he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would participate.
Japan and Australia Decline Participation
Japan and Australia offered the strongest pushback. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo had no plans to dispatch naval escort missions, citing constitutional and legal restrictions on overseas military operations.
“We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships,” Takaichi told parliament, adding that Japan was assessing options strictly within its legal framework.
Australia was more direct. Cabinet minister Catherine King said Canberra would not send ships and had not been formally requested to do so.
“We know how important the Strait is, but that’s not something we’re contributing to,” she told ABC.
European Allies Exercise Caution
European allies also stopped short of endorsing the US proposal. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed scepticism about expanding the European Union’s Aspides naval mission into the Strait of Hormuz.
“Will we soon be an active part of this conflict? No,” Wadephul said, stressing Germany’s reluctance to become directly involved in the war.
Britain and France have similarly withheld immediate support. Reuters reported that London remains in discussions with allies but has not committed any vessels, while Paris has backed only the idea of a future defensive escort mission rather than rapid deployment.
Trump increased pressure on NATO members, warning that the alliance faced a “very bad” future if allies failed to assist Washington.
China Urged to Join Effort
Trump also urged China to take part, arguing that Beijing relies heavily on oil shipments through the Strait.
“China should help because China gets 90 per cent of its oil from the Straits,” he said, adding that he could delay a planned visit if Beijing did not offer support. China’s foreign ministry has not yet responded publicly.
So far, five of the seven countries Trump reportedly approached—Japan, Australia, Germany, Britain, and France—have either rejected, resisted, or withheld support.
Energy and Travel Disruptions Deepen
The conflict has heightened fears of global energy disruption. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, warned that the crisis highlights the security risks of fossil fuel dependence.
Meanwhile, global air travel remains heavily disrupted. Major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, have faced closures or restrictions, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and stranded passengers. Jet fuel shortages are also emerging, with Vietnam warning of potential flight reductions after China and Thailand halted exports.
Although a limited number of vessels have crossed the Strait, most tanker traffic has effectively been suspended since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, intensifying concerns over global energy and economic stability.
