USA talks with 7 countries for cooperation in road safety; Japan and Australia signal that they will not send warships
The President of the United States, (Republican Party), stated on Sunday (15 March 2026) that his government is in dialogue with 7 countries to demand support in maintaining the opening and security of the oil route.
Aboard Air Force One, Trump declared on Sunday (15 March) that nations dependent on Gulf oil have a duty to protect the region. “I demand that these countries participate and protect their own territory, because it is their territory. That is where their energy comes from”these.
The conflict against Iran has entered its 3rd week and continues to destabilize the global oil market. This Monday (16 March), strategic allies such as Japan and Australia said they do not plan to send military vessels to the Middle East.
On Saturday (14 March), in a publication on the Truth Social network, the North American president had made clear his expectations that China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Trump also increased pressure on NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the European Union. According to the Financial Timesthe North American president warned that the alliance would face a future “very bad” if it does not support the US in the confrontation with Iran.
European foreign ministers are meeting this Monday (16th March) to discuss the reinforcement of a small naval mission in the Middle East. However, according to diplomats and authorities interviewed by Reutersthe bloc should not extend its operations to the Strait of Hormuz.
The British Prime Minister (Labour Party) discussed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney (Liberal Party), according to a Downing Street spokesperson. South Korea has stated that it will carefully review Washington’s request.
The Prime Minister of Japan, (Liberal Democratic Party), said this Monday (16th March) that, as she is limited by the country’s pacifist Constitution, she has no plans to send military vessels to escort ships in the Middle East, from where she obtains 95% of her oil.
“We have not made any decisions about sending escort ships. We continue to analyze what Japan can do independently and what can be done within a legal framework.”said the Prime Minister in Parliament, according to the agency Reuters.
The government of Australia, a country that depends on crude oil from the Middle East, has also declared that it does not intend to help reopen the strait. “We know how incredibly important this is. But it’s not something we’ve been asked to do or are contributing to.”said Catherine King, member of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s (Labor Party) cabinet, to the broadcaster .
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