📷: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Japan and Australia have declined U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeal to deploy naval vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict with Iran, The Palestine Chronicle reported.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament Monday that no decision had been made to dispatch escort ships, citing constitutional limits on overseas military operations. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also noted legal difficulties in sending warships.
Australia likewise ruled out participation. Transport Minister Catherine King said Canberra had not been asked to contribute naval forces, stressing that Australia’s role in the region remains focused on defensive support for the United Arab Emirates, including aircraft operations.
Trump has urged allies reliant on Gulf energy supplies to join a U.S.-led coalition to reopen the strategic waterway, which carries about 20 percent of global oil shipments. He warned NATO members of “a very bad” future if they fail to support Washington’s effort.
So far, international response has been limited. China has not commented, while EU ministers are discussing only modest naval reinforcement.
Germany has ruled out involvement, and South Korea said it is reviewing Washington’s request without committing to action. #(ZIA LUNA)
