Donald Trump has warned that NATO could face serious consequences if allies fail to help secure the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which roughly 20% of the world’s energy supplies pass.
According to Reuters, Japan and Australia said Monday they are not planning to send naval ships to the Middle East to escort commercial vessels through the strait, despite Trump’s call for allies to form a coalition to reopen the waterway.
The appeal comes as tensions from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continue to shake global energy markets in the third week of fighting.
Trump argued that countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil have a responsibility to protect the route. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during a flight from Florida to Washington, he said:
“I’m asking these countries to come and defend their territory because it is their territory. It’s where they get their energy from.”
Trump said his administration has already contacted seven countries but did not identify them. In a social media post over the weekend, he said he hoped China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, among others, would take part.
Japan and Australia decline naval deployment
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that Japan, whose constitution renounces war, has no plans to send naval escort vessels to the region.
“We have made no decision regarding sending escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and within our legal framework,” Takaichi told parliament.
Australia also indicated it would not deploy naval forces. Cabinet minister Catherine King said the country had not been asked to participate and was not planning to contribute ships to reopen the strait.
Trump hints at delaying China visit
Trump also suggested he could delay his planned trip to Beijing if Xi Jinping and China do not assist in securing the waterway.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Trump said China should help because it relies heavily on oil shipments passing through the strait.
“I think China should also help, because China gets 90% of its oil through the straits,” Trump said. “We may delay,” he added, referring to his upcoming visit if Beijing does not provide support.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
European allies under pressure
Trump also increased pressure on European allies, warning NATO faces a “very bad future” if member states fail to assist Washington in protecting the strategic shipping route.
Foreign ministers of the European Union were expected to discuss strengthening a small naval mission in the Middle East, although diplomats said a decision to expand its role in the Strait of Hormuz was unlikely for now.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the issue with Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street. South Korea has said it will carefully review Washington’s request.
Drone attacks disrupt Gulf region
Meanwhile, the security situation across the Gulf remained tense. Authorities in Dubai temporarily suspended flights at Dubai International Airport after a drone strike hit a fuel tank and caused a fire. Officials later said the blaze was brought under control.
In Saudi Arabia, state media reported that air defenses intercepted 34 drones in the country’s eastern region within an hour. No casualties were reported in either incident.
Despite U.S. claims that Iranian military capabilities have been significantly degraded, drone attacks have continued to threaten Gulf states.
U.S. officials also predicted that the war with Iran could end within weeks and that global energy prices would eventually fall, even as Iran insists it remains ready to defend itself.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected claims that Iran is seeking negotiations.
“We have never asked for a ceasefire and never asked for negotiations,” Araqchi said on the Face the Nation program on CBS. “We are ready to defend ourselves for as long as necessary.”
