TEHRAN - Countries including the United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, and China have so far declined to commit warships in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s appeal for a naval escort mission through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy shipments. None have publicly agreed to send military forces to accompany oil tankers despite Trump’s high‑profile request.

A British Ministry of Defense spokesperson said London is “currently discussing with allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region,” but did not confirm any deployment. France stated that its aircraft carrier and naval group will remain in the eastern Mediterranean rather than redeploy to the strait. Japan stressed that it would decide independently, with senior policymakers noting that legal and operational thresholds for sending warships remain high. South Korea said it would carefully review the U.S. request while maintaining close consultations with Washington. China, a major importer of Middle Eastern oil, urged de‑escalation and emphasized the importance of stable, uninterrupted energy flows without committing naval support.

Trump had called on these nations to assist in protecting oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran. The appeal was framed as a cooperative effort to keep global energy supplies flowing and to counter threats to international shipping.

Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, but has declared that vessels from “aggressors,” namely the United States and Israel, should not expect guaranteed safe passage. Iranian officials argue the waterway should be secure for global trade without foreign military involvement.

The strait normally handles roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil exports, underscoring the strategic and economic impact of any disruption to shipping through this narrow passage. Iran has expanded control over the key waterway against the backdrop of the U.S.-Israeli aggression that began more than two weeks ago.