A number of governments have made statements regarding President Trump’s blockade of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz. And even though Trump claimed “many countries” are planning to assist, thus far none have said so publicly. From Al Jazeera’s live update page for today:
• U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said “We’re not supporting the blockade and all of the marshalling diplomatically, politically, and capability ... that’s all focused, from our point of view, on getting the Strait fully open.” The U.K. has been working to “keep the Strait open, not shut.” Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have also announced plans to hold a summit this week for a “coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends.”
• Japan has yet to decide whether to deploy its Self-Defense Forces for minesweeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said. Japan is urging progress toward a comprehensive understanding between the two sides, Kihara told reporters. “What is most important is that deescalation, including securing the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is actually achieved,” Kihara said, according to Kyodo News.
