The United Kingdom, China, South Korea, France, and Japan have either directly or indirectly declined U. S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to escort oil tankers through the Ormuz Strait.

According to Western media reports, Beijing and Paris urged Washington to seek a diplomatic solution to the tensions in the Middle East. London and Tokyo issued clear refusals, while Seoul stated that it would review the proposal and hold consultations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, speaking at a briefing, called on all parties involved in the conflict to halt hostilities. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also made it clear that London does not intend to deploy naval forces to restore shipping security in the region.

On March 16, Western media reported that the United States was considering the formation of an international coalition to safeguard navigation in the Ormuz Strait. Trump later said that seven countries had been involved in discussions on the structure of the proposed alliance.

Earlier, retired U. S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis expressed doubt that Washington could reopen the Ormuz Strait through military action. In his assessment, any attempt to do so by force could lead to serious consequences for the United States.