Other Nations Reluctant to Help Trump Reopen Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s call for nations to send warships alongside US naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe” has failed to yield direct commitments, despite Trump deploying his trademark weapon of threats.
The strait was closed by Iran following alleged illegal US-Israeli military aggression against the country on 28 February. The closure of the strait subsequently triggered rising crude oil prices, which in the long term threatens to devastate the global economy.
Trump on Sunday named directly the countries he is inviting to secure the Strait of Hormuz, including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. He also issued warnings to his allies in an interview with the Financial Times, stating that NATO faces a “very bleak” future if it refuses to help the US reopen the Hormuz Strait.
“It is only right that people who benefit from this strait help ensure nothing bad happens there,” Trump told the newspaper.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC broadcaster on Sunday that he had “dialogued” with some of the countries Trump mentioned and expressed hope that China “will be a constructive partner” in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, no commitments have yet been made. Liu Pengyu, spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, stated that “all parties have a responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supplies”. He also said China would “strengthen communication with relevant parties” to pursue de-escalation.
France previously stated it is working on the possibility of an international mission to escort ships through the strait, but emphasised this must occur when “circumstances permit”—that is, when fighting has subsided. Federal German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he is “sceptical” of the plan. He told ARD television: “Will we soon become an active party to this conflict? No.”
Japan on Sunday stated that the threshold for Tokyo to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz is “very high”. “I regard the threshold for despatching naval vessels to that region under applicable Japanese law as very high,” said Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, according to public broadcaster NHK. “Legally, we do not rule out the possibility, but given the ongoing conflict situation, I believe this is something that must be considered very carefully,” added Kobayashi.
The United Kingdom is also considering sending minesweeping ships and drones to the Middle East in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband. Miliband said ministers are considering all options to help reopen the strait. “It is vital for us to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. And we have discussed this with our allies, including the US,” he said. He added: “There are various ways we could contribute, including with minesweeping drones. All of this is being considered with our allies… Whatever option can help reopen the strait is under consideration.”