Japan, Australia, UK decline US warship deployment to Strait of Hormuz
Japan and Australia will not deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect vessels from Iranian attacks, while the UK is considering deploying minesweeping drones instead. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated the country is not contemplating maritime security operations due to the current Iran situation. Australian Transport Minister Catherine King clarified the nation is not requested to contribute and recognizes the matter's importance but will not send ships. UK officials are formulating plans for minesweeping drones amid Whitehall concerns that complying with Trump's request could worsen the crisis. The Strait handles one-fifth of global oil supplies, and Trump previously urged China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK to assist in securing the waterway, warning NATO faces a 'very dire' future if members don't act.