Overview
- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan may consider dispatching Self-Defense Forces minesweepers only if a ceasefire is in place and mines impede navigation, citing Japan’s top-tier capability.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan has no specific measures planned and made no commitments at the recent leaders’ summit.
- Polling shows a majority of Japanese oppose sending warships to the Middle East even as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet retains strong approval ratings.
- Motegi ruled out unilateral negotiations with Iran for safe passage and said about 45 Japan-linked vessels remain affected in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Japan relies on Middle Eastern crude that typically transits Hormuz, heightening concern as the conflict widened after US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28.