March 16, New Delhi — Several countries have responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s request for assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan does not currently plan to dispatch naval vessels to escort ships in West Asia. She added, "We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework."
A member of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s cabinet said Australia will not send naval ships to assist in reopening the strait, noting, "We know how incredibly important that is, but that's not something that we've been asked or that we're contributing to."
South Korea’s presidential office said it will "communicate closely with the U.S. regarding this matter and make a decision after careful review."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the need to reopen the strait with Trump to end disruptions to global shipping. Starmer also spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and they agreed to continue talks on the West Asia conflict at a meeting on Monday.
(File Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump)