Countries Offer No Commitments After Trump Requests Naval Assistance

President Donald Trump’s request for foreign naval forces to help the United States secure the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping—particularly oil tankers—has received cautious and largely noncommittal responses from several of the countries he mentioned.

Trump called for international support to counter Iran’s control over the strategic waterway, which is a key route for global energy shipments. One day after the request, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said there is “a very good chance” that gasoline prices in the United States could drop below three dollars per gallon by the summer. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Wright said the United States expects to remove the threat Iran poses to global energy supplies. At the same time, he acknowledged that outcomes during wartime are uncertain, noting that there are no guarantees in war.

Responses from other nations have varied:

Britain: Energy Minister Ed Miliband said the government is consulting with allies and reviewing possible actions aimed at restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In comments to the BBC, he stressed the importance of reopening the waterway but said the most straightforward solution would be a de-escalation of the conflict with Iran.

South Korea: The country’s Foreign Ministry said it is aware of Trump’s request. A statement from the office of President Lee Jae Myung did not commit to any action but said South Korea plans to remain in close communication with the United States.

Japan: Officials noted that any military involvement would face strict legal and political limits under Japan’s pacifist constitution, saying the threshold for deploying forces would be extremely high. Trump may discuss the issue directly with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her planned visit to Washington on Thursday.

China: A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said all sides have a responsibility to maintain stable and uninterrupted energy supplies. The spokesperson added that China will continue communicating with the parties involved in hopes of reducing tensions.

Germany: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced skepticism about whether expanding military operations in the Strait of Hormuz would be effective.

France: French officials have not offered a new response. Previously, President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France might consider using its navy to escort ships if the conflict stabilizes. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said Thursday that France will not send warships to the Strait of Hormuz while the conflict continues to escalate.