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| One of multiple carriers struck in Strait of Hormuz attacks in the past two weeks (Image: AFP) |
On President Donald Trump's request for nations to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz, the vital oil route that was almost blocked by Iran during the Middle East war, other nations have either resisted or remained cautious. Trump has stated that the United States will continue to bomb Iranian vessels and the shoreline in order to "soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!" but has also requested that other nations send warships. In a post on Truth Social on March 14, Trump stated, "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others that are affected by this artificial constraint will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated." Later, the US president stated that it would be "very bad for the future of NATO" if the strait was not secured. The strait has been effectively blocked by Iran, except for a handful of vessels carrying Iranian oil to countries like India and China, since Israel and the US attacked Iran on 28 February.
Multiple commercial cargo ships in the strait have been hit by "unknown projectiles" during more than two weeks of war, with one person reported killed.
About 20% of the world's oil travels through the passage. Oil prices around the world went up, and some Asian nations are taking measures to save fuel. The official social media account of his energy secretary erroneously stated that the US had escorted a ship through the strait, despite Trump's claims that the US Navy could do so. In response to Trump's request, other nations have responded in this manner.
Read More: Why did US and Israel attack Iran and how long could the war last?
UK
At a news conference on Monday,
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said conversations aimed at working out a "viable plan" were ongoing with the US, European and Gulf partners, but that we are "not at the point of decisions yet".
Pressed by the BBC on Sunday whether the UK was considering sending drones or ships to the region, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband responded: "You can rest assured that any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at in concert with our allies."
Refusing to be drawn into operational details, Miliband reiterated that "ending the conflict is the best and surest way to get the strait reopened".
Germany
While Defense Minister Boris Pistorius inquired, "What does Trump expect from a handful of
European frigates that the powerful US navy cannot do?" a government spokesperson stated that the conflict with Iran had "nothing to do with Nato." "This is not a war of ours. We have not started it."
France
Last week, President Emmanuel Macron stated that he was attempting to form a coalition to escort ships and ensure
freedom of navigation. However, he stated that this would only be possible after the "hottest phase" of the conflict had ended. A few days later, his Defence Minister, Catherine Vautrin, said there were no immediate plans to send vessels into the Strait of Hormuz.
China
Asked by reporters on Monday whether the country had received a request to send ships and how it would respond, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: "China once again calls on parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the tense situation and prevent regional turmoil from further impacting the
global economy."
Additionally, Jian stated that China was "working for the deescalation of the situation" and was "in communication with relevant parties."
South Korea
The country's foreign ministry told the BBC on Sunday that it was "paying close attention" to Trump's comments and would continue to "communicate closely and make a decision after careful consideration." "The Korean government is closely monitoring developments related to the situation in the Middle East and is exploring various measures under comprehensive consideration to protect Korean nationals and ensure the safety of energy transportation routes," the ministry said.
Tuesday, defense minister Ahn Gyu-back told parliament that the parliament would have to approve sending a warship to the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan
On Monday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that she had not received a request to send ships with escorts. "The Japanese government is looking into what actions should be taken right now. Of course, this will be within the Japanese legal framework, but we are proceeding with consideration as to how we can protect the lives of Japanese vessels and their crews, and what can be done in such regards," she said.
On March 19, Takaichi is scheduled to meet with Trump in
Washington, DC.
European Union
"For the time being, there was no appetite" to alter the current naval mission's mandate, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated on Monday. She stated to the
Reuters news agency, "Nobody is ready to put their people in danger in the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "We have to find diplomatic ways to keep this open."
Source: BBC
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