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.
The U.S. had been mostly using the word 'coalition' when describing the maritime mission.
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'.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party also said in August that the U.S. is using the word 'initiative' over 'coalition.'
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.
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.