Japan and Australia have declined a request from the United States to deploy naval vessels to help escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions surrounding the conflict with Iran continue to disrupt global energy routes.

President Donald Trump has called on a group of allied countries to assist in securing the strategically vital waterway, urging partners to contribute naval assets to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers and cargo vessels.

The administration’s proposal reflects a broader effort to stabilize global energy markets and maintain open shipping lanes during the ongoing confrontation with Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil trade from the Persian Gulf to international markets.

Recent attacks on shipping and threats to tanker traffic have caused significant disruptions, pushing energy prices higher and raising concerns about supply security worldwide.

Japan’s government said it currently has no plans to send naval forces to the region, citing political and constitutional sensitivities surrounding overseas military deployments.

The country depends heavily on oil shipments passing through the strait, making the stability of the route particularly important to its economy.

Australia also ruled out sending warships to the Gulf at this stage.

Officials indicated that while the country remains committed to supporting international security and protecting its citizens abroad, it does not intend to participate directly in maritime escort operations in the contested waterway.

The U.S. administration has emphasized that safeguarding the strait is a global responsibility because many economies rely on energy shipments from the Gulf.

Washington has indicated that the United States is prepared to act if necessary, while encouraging partners to share the burden of securing the route.

The request for allied participation comes amid wider diplomatic discussions among Western and Asian partners about how best to respond to the disruption.

Several governments have expressed concern over the risk of escalation and are weighing alternative measures, including diplomatic initiatives and limited maritime monitoring missions.

Despite the cautious response from some allies, the United States continues to explore options for restoring normal shipping activity in the region.

American officials have said naval escorts for tankers could be deployed if required, though the operation would involve significant logistical planning and international coordination.