Trump demands others help secure Strait of Hormuz, Japan and Australia say no plans to send ships

Several US allies have responded cautiously, or declined outright, after President Donald Trump urged about seven countries to deploy warships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil artery disrupted amid the Iran war.

Australia said it would not contribute naval assets, with cabinet minister Catherine King telling ABC that while the strait is critically important, Canberra has not been asked to send a ship and is not planning to do so.

“We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to," Catherine King said.