In a lengthy post on Truth Social yesterday, US President Donald Trump called on “China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and others“ to send ships to help the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has effectively shut down oil through the waterway, triggering a global energy crisis that the Trump administration is now struggling to contain amid the economic fallout.
“Many countries, especially those affected by Iran's attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the US, to keep the strait open and safe,“ Trump wrote.
Here's how the countries Trump listed have responded to his request so far:
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington did not say whether the country planned to deploy naval assets to the region, telling CNN that Beijing is calling for an immediate end to hostilities and that “all countries have a responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy flows. supplies“.
A senior Japanese government official said that any decision to send Japanese naval ships to the Middle East to escort ships would face “major obstacles“.
South Korea's presidential office said the country “will communicate closely with the United States on this matter and make a decision after careful consideration“, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the office.
The United Kingdom “is currently discussing with its allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region“, a spokesman for the country's defense ministry said.