From Japan To Australia, US Allies Show Hesitation Over Trump’s Call To Deploy Warships In Hormuz

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 20:54 IST

Countries responded cautiously to Trump's call to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Japan, South Korea, and Denmark are reviewing options, while others ruled out military involvement.

Several countries have responded cautiously after Donald Trump called on allies to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz by sending warships amid Iranian drone and missile strikes on ships carrying oil and gas through the strait.

Japan Says No Decision on Naval Deployment

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo has not decided to dispatch naval vessels to escort ships in the region. Speaking in parliament, she said Japan is reviewing what steps it can take independently and within its legal framework. Takaichi is expected to visit Washington this week for talks with Trump, where the conflict with Iran will be discussed.

Australia Rules Out Sending Warships

In Australia, the government ruled out deploying naval vessels to the Strait. Cabinet minister Catherine King said Canberra had neither been asked to contribute ships nor was it planning to do so.

South Korea Reviewing Options

South Korea said it will closely consult with Washington before making a decision. The presidential office noted that overseas military deployments require parliamentary approval under the country’s constitution, and opposition figures have already said legislative consent would be necessary.

UK Focused on Reopening Shipping Routes

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain is working with partners to ensure shipping through the Strait can resume safely. However, he stressed that the UK would not be drawn into a wider war with Iran and clarified that any effort to reopen the route would not be a NATO mission.

EU Considering Limited Naval Role

Officials from the European Union said foreign ministers will discuss strengthening the bloc’s existing maritime mission in the Middle East. However, diplomats indicated they are unlikely to consider expanding its mandate to the Strait of Hormuz. The EU currently operates Operation Aspides, which was launched in 2024 to protect vessels from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Germany Rejects Military Role

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin would not participate in securing the Strait with military forces. He questioned what European frigates could accomplish that the US Navy could not. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also expressed scepticism about extending the EU’s naval mission to the area.

Denmark Keeps Options Open

Denmark signalled a more cautious approach. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Copenhagen would keep an open mind, adding that although Europe may not support the decision to go to war, countries must still deal with the situation as it stands.

Italy Emphasises Diplomacy

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said diplomacy remains the best way to address the crisis and noted there are no Italian naval missions that could simply be extended to the Strait.

Greece Rules Out Military Operations

Greece also ruled out participating in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a government spokesperson.

The responses highlight a broader reluctance among US allies to become directly involved in military operations around the Strait, a vital energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments normally pass.

News world From Japan To Australia, US Allies Show Hesitation Over Trump’s Call To Deploy Warships In Hormuz

Read More