Several major countries have declined U.S. President Donald Trump’s request to deploy warships or minesweepers to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, citing legal, political, and strategic concerns. The refusals come as Washington attempts to build a coalition to protect the critical global oil shipping route amid escalating tensions in the region.

The United Kingdom said it would avoid being drawn into what it described as a potentially expanding war, offering instead the possibility of aerial minesweeping drones rather than sending naval combat vessels. Germany firmly rejected the request, stating that the conflict is “not our war,” while questioning what a small European naval presence could realistically achieve where the powerful U.S. Navy is already engaged.

France emphasized it would maintain a strictly defensive posture and continue prioritizing diplomatic solutions, keeping its naval forces stationed in the Mediterranean. Japan also declined, citing legal restrictions under its post-war pacifist constitution that limits the deployment of combat forces to active conflict zones.

Meanwhile, Australia and Italy confirmed they have no plans to participate in the proposed mission, with Italy noting that its naval operations in the Red Sea are focused on anti-piracy rather than combat operations in Hormuz. China likewise rejected the request, reiterating its long-standing principle of non-interference and warning that further military escalation could worsen tensions across the Persian Gulf.