Sanae Takaichi, Japan's Prime Minister, said that the country does not plan to send naval vessels to escort ships in a?Middle East? after Donald Trump asked allies to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz.

"We have not taken any decision about dispatching escort vessels." Takaichi, a member of parliament, said that we are still examining what Japan can do independently and within the legal framework.

Trump's social media call for U.S. allies, including Japan to protect oil and gas shipments through the strategic watersway places?Tokyo in a difficult situation because its constitution, which prohibits war, limits?the scope?of overseas military operations that it can conduct.

Takaichi stated that the United States has not yet formally requested assistance. (Reporting and editing by Michael Perry; Reporting by Tim Kelly)

(source: Reuters)