Australia and Japan announced that they have no plans to send ships to the Middle East to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
Australia responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send ships to the Strait of Hormuz.
Australian Transport Minister Catherine King said, “We will not be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how extremely important this is, but it is not something that has been requested of us, and we will not be contributing in that way.”
King also stated that Australia is “very clear about the kind of assistance we will provide,” adding that they will only send aircraft to the United Arab Emirates to support defense activities.
Japanese government has no such plan
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that the government is assessing what measures can be taken to ensure the safety of Japan-related ships and crews in the Middle East.
Responding to a question about whether Japan would send ships to the region in line with a U.S. request, Takaichi said she could not answer a hypothetical question because no official request had been made by the United States yet, but the matter is being studied.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the government currently has no plans to deploy the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that the security of the Strait of Hormuz should be ensured by “the countries that obtain oil through it.”
Trump commented, “Countries that obtain oil through the Strait of Hormuz should secure this passage,” adding that the United States would greatly assist those countries.
Germany will not join an international military operation
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated that Germany will not participate in an international military operation in connection with tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Iran.
Speaking on the ARD television program Bericht aus Berlin, Wadephul emphasized that Germany would not be an active party to the conflict, saying, “Will we soon become an active part of this conflict? No.”
He noted that the German government’s position on the matter is clear and has also been expressed openly by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
The foreign minister also stated that Germany would like to be involved in a potential diplomatic negotiation process, adding that lasting security in the Strait of Hormuz can only be achieved through a diplomatic solution and talks with Iran.