Seen as an effort to boost other countries' participation, the U.S. has changed the name of its effort to escort merchant shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.<br />The U.S. had been mostly using the word 'coalition' when describing the maritime mission.<br />But in recent interviews, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's interview in late July,... the officials referred to it as the 'maritime security initiative'.<br />Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party also said in August that the U.S. is using the word 'initiative' over 'coalition.'<br />The word 'coalition' is normally used when countries start a joint military action without going through the UN, thus making it more difficult for countries to say they'll actively join the mission.<br />Meanwhile, Japanese media reported Wednesday that Tokyo is reviewing the offer to join the initiative, Seoul also hasn't given a clear answer on it.<br />
