US Allies Show Caution as Trump Urges Naval Deployment to Secure Strait of Hormuz

Several key U.S. allies have responded cautiously — and in some cases declined outright — after U.S. President Donald Trump urged a group of countries to deploy naval vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route disrupted amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

Speaking aboard the presidential aircraft Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said he had strongly encouraged about seven nations that depend heavily on Middle Eastern crude to contribute warships to safeguard the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil, making it one of the most vital maritime chokepoints in global energy supply.

However, responses from allied nations have so far remained guarded.

Australia signalled it would not participate in the proposed maritime security effort. Cabinet minister Catherine King told the national broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation that while Canberra recognises the strategic importance of the strait, the government has neither been formally asked to deploy a naval vessel nor is it planning to do so.

“We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We understand how critically important it is, but that is not something we have been asked to do or are currently considering,” King said.

Japan has also adopted a cautious approach. Senior lawmaker Sanae Takaichi stated that Tokyo is “not considering” maritime security operations at this stage, noting that no decision has been taken regarding the dispatch of escort vessels. Officials indicated that any potential action would need to be carefully assessed within Japan’s existing legal and constitutional framework.

Similarly, South Korea said it would continue consultations with Washington before making any commitment. The presidential office in Seoul said the government would conduct a thorough review before deciding on any possible deployment.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer adopted a more diplomatic tone. According to Downing Street, Starmer discussed with Trump the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise global shipping routes and ease pressure on energy markets.

Starmer also held discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both leaders agreeing to continue consultations on the escalating Middle East crisis at a scheduled meeting on Monday.

Trump declined to publicly identify the countries he had approached, but argued that nations heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil should assume greater responsibility for protecting the maritime corridor.

The U.S. president emphasised that the United States itself is far less dependent on the strait than many other major economies.

He specifically pointed to China, stating that Beijing imports a significant share of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz and therefore has a strong strategic interest in ensuring the waterway remains open. However, Trump declined to comment on whether China would participate in any potential multinational naval coalition.

Despite Washington’s calls for collective action, no firm commitments have yet been announced, even as global oil prices continue to surge amid mounting uncertainty over the security of the vital shipping lane.