Japan and Australia refuse naval deployment to Strait of Hormuz despite Trump’s pressure, as Iran blockade triggers global oil crisis.
Japan and Australia refuse naval deployment to Strait of Hormuz despite Trump’s pressure, as Iran blockade triggers global oil crisis.
Japan and Australia have clarified that they currently have no intention of deploying naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz, even as Donald Trump intensifies efforts to persuade allied nations to support maritime security in the strategically crucial waterway. The strait, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying nearly 20% of global oil shipments.
The crisis escalated after Tehran effectively blocked most oil tanker traffic through the strait. Iranian authorities took this step in retaliation for recent airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. The disruption has triggered the largest oil supply shock in modern history, severely impacting global energy markets and causing oil prices to surge worldwide.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, Trump stated that his administration had reached out to seven countries seeking assistance in securing shipping routes through the waterway. Although he did not identify all the nations contacted, he earlier suggested that China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom should consider contributing naval support. Trump argued that these countries should help protect the waterway because they depend heavily on energy supplies transported through it.
Despite this pressure, Tokyo has taken a cautious stance. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told the Japanese parliament that her government has not made any decision to send escort vessels to the Middle East. She emphasized that Japan is still evaluating what actions it can legally and independently take under its existing constitutional framework. Japan’s post-war constitution, introduced in 1947, renounces war and places strict limitations on overseas military operations, making the deployment of the Self-Defense Forces politically sensitive.
Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi echoed the prime minister’s position, stating that while certain technical capabilities exist, deciding whether to use them under current volatile conditions is another matter entirely. Officials from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, including policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi, also indicated that the threshold for dispatching warships is extremely high.
The situation is particularly concerning for Japan because of its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy. As the world’s fifth-largest economy, Japan imports about 90% of its oil from the region, with roughly 70% passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the ongoing crisis, the government has begun releasing strategic oil reserves for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Initially, 15 days’ worth of privately held reserves will be released, followed by a month’s supply from government stockpiles.
Australia has also signaled reluctance to become directly involved in maritime operations. Transport Minister Catherine King stated that Canberra has not received a formal request from Washington to send naval forces and currently has no plans to deploy a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. Opposition figures, including defense spokesperson James Paterson, have similarly urged caution, saying any potential request from the US would need careful evaluation based on Australia’s national interests and available naval resources.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is reportedly considering sending aerial minesweeping assets rather than warships to help clear the waterway. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce financial assistance for households facing rising energy costs caused by the crisis.
The conflict has now entered its third week, and global oil markets remain under pressure. Benchmark Brent crude prices rose nearly 2% to around $104.98 per barrel in early Monday trading. Although US officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, predicted that the conflict could end within weeks, Iranian leaders insist they are prepared for a prolonged confrontation.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi rejected claims that Tehran is seeking negotiations or a ceasefire, asserting that the country remains strong and ready to defend itself despite ongoing airstrikes targeting military infrastructure.
