The request made yesterday by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and other nations to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe” did not achieve results this Sunday, while oil prices continue to rise due to the war with Iran.
“We are looking intensely with our allies at what can be done, because it is very important that we are able to reopen the straits,” UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband told Sky Newsadding that putting an end to the conflict is the “best and safest” way to do so.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said it “took note” of Trump’s demand and would “closely coordinate and carefully review” the situation with the United States.
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There are many expectations that the US leader will reinforce his appeal to Japan in person this Thursday, when he will meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the United States, Liu Pengyu, pointed out that “all parties have a responsibility to ensure stable and unhindered energy supply” and that China “will strengthen communication with relevant parties” to de-escalate the conflict.
France has previously said it is working with countries – President Emmanuel Macron mentioned partners in Europe, India and Asia – on a possible international mission to escort ships through the strait, but stressed the plan would be implemented when “circumstances permit”, when fighting has subsided.
United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright told NBC which has been “in dialogue” with some of the countries and hoped that China would be “a constructive partner” in reopening the strait, through which a fifth of world oil exports normally pass.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared today that the strait is open to everyone except the United States and its allies.
