Japanese Foreign Minister: Japan Could Consider Dispatching Self-Defense Forces to Sweep Mines in the Strait of Hormuz If a Ceasefire Is Achieved

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said on Sunday that if the U.S. achieves a ceasefire in the war with Iran, Japan may consider deploying Self-Defense Forces to conduct mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil supply route.

Motegi told Fuji Television, “If a comprehensive ceasefire is achieved, mine clearance and related matters could be put on the agenda. This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire is reached and sea mines become navigation obstacles, I believe this is a viable option to consider.”

Motegi also stated that Japan currently has no emergency plans to secure passage for stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz but emphasized that “creating conditions for all ships to safely pass through this narrow waterway is crucial”—the strait accounts for one-fifth of global oil transportation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian said in an interview on Friday that he has communicated with Motegi Toshimitsu to explore the possibility of allowing Japanese ships to pass through the strait.

Approximately 90% of Japan’s oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and since the outbreak of the war four weeks ago, Iran has essentially blockaded the strait. Global oil prices have surged, prompting Japan and other countries to use strategic oil reserves.