US President Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) asked US allies such as France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and China, among others, to send their warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and secure”. But the appeal had so far produced no commitments on Sunday as oil prices jumped during the war, the AP reported.
Washington Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News that he had been in dialogue with some countries, adding that he expected China to be a constructive partner in reopening Hormuz, which accounts for about one-fifth of global oil exports.
The development comes as the US-Israeli war in Iran enters its 16th day, with no end in sight. Amid the ongoing conflict, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, sparking panic among traders and roiling global energy markets as oil prices soared to $120 a barrel earlier this week.
Iran’s military decides which vessels pass through: FM
In an interview with CBS News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had been approached by several countries seeking safe passage for their vessels. He added: “That is up to our military to decide.” Araghchi also said that several vessels from different countries had been allowed to pass through the strait, although he did not provide any details.
Tehran has declared the Strait of Hormuz open to all countries except the US and its allies.
Araghchi said: “We see no reason to talk to the Americans” about finding a way to end the war, adding that Israel and the US launched the war with coordinated attacks on February 28 despite ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington.
How did America’s allies respond to Trump’s challenge?
Speaking to Sky News, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK was working closely with its allies on what could be done, adding that it was important to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Miliband also said ending the war was the “best and surest” way to do it.
South Korea’s foreign ministry said it had taken note of Trump’s call, adding that it would closely coordinate and review the situation with Washington.
The report suggests that expectations are high that Trump will ask Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on March 21 when he meets her at the White House.
France said it was coordinating with other countries, European partners, India and nations in Asia for a possible international mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. President Emmanuel Macron stressed that such an operation would only take place when “circumstances allow”, i.e. after the fighting subsides.
IEA to release oil from emergency stocks
Amid the ongoing conflict, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced on March 11 that its 32 member countries had agreed to release 400 million barrels of emergency oil into global energy markets to quell fears of supply disruptions.
While emergency oil from Asia and Oceania will be available immediately, oil from the Americas and Europe will be available from the end of March.
