As President Donald Trump’s war against Iran sparked a historic global energy crisis, some key military allies of the United States have appealed directly to Tehran for help as they try to steady their economies.

Instead of counting on Trump’s efforts to reopen the critical crude oil shipping channel in the Strait of Hormuz, Japan and the Philippines –– nations heavily reliant on oil and gas supply from the Middle East –– have sought to strike agreements with Iran, while South Korea is seeing assistance from other regional players.

Oil and gas passing through the Strait of Hormuz accounts for 20% of the world’s consumption, according to the International Energy Agency, and the vast majority goes to Asia.

In a national address last week, Trump played down the United States’ reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, while suggesting that other countries that rely on oil transported through the strait to “take the lead” and “take care of that passage.”

A handful of Japan-linked ships have passed through the strait in recent days, said public broadcaster NHK. And Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday that work was underway to arrange talks with Iran’s president.

South Korea is also working on measures to ensure the safe passage of 26 South Korean-flagged vessels currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul said on Tuesday that it was dispatching a special envoy to Kazakhstan, Oman and Saudi Arabia to secure alternative crude oil and naphtha supplies amid disruptions.

Last week, the Philippines’ foreign secretary secured assurances from the Iranian Foreign Ministry to allow “the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage” through the strait for Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers.

Other Asian nations including India and Pakistan have also secured deals with Iran for the safe passage of some vessels.