Japan and Australia Decline US Call to Deploy Warships in Strait of Hormuz

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Japan and Australia have announced that they will not deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz “at this time”, rejecting a call from US President Donald Trump for a coordinated effort to protect vessels from Iranian threats.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes, has faced severe disruptions amid rising tensions, sparking global concerns over energy security.

Over the weekend, President Trump urged several nations, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, to contribute to maritime security in the strait. He also warned that NATO could face a “very dire” future if its members fail to act.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament that “given the current situation with Iran, Japan is not contemplating a maritime security operation at this time.”

Meanwhile, UK officials are reportedly planning to deploy minesweeping drones to the strait, according to the Guardian UK, amid fears in Whitehall that sending warships could further escalate tensions.

Australia’s Transport Minister Catherine King also confirmed the country’s stance, telling ABC, “We recognize the critical importance of this matter, but it is not something we have been requested to do, nor are we contributing to it.”

The combined decisions highlight growing international caution in responding to the volatile situation in the Gulf, as nations weigh security responsibilities against the risk of inflaming regional tensions.