Japan could consider Hormuz minesweeping if ceasefire reached, Motegi says

Foreign Minister Motegi said Tokyo has no immediate plans to seek arrangements for stranded Japanese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan could consider minesweeping operations there if a ceasefire is reached.

The Japan Times reports that Foreign Minister Motegi stated Tokyo has no immediate plans to seek arrangements allowing passage through the Strait of Hormuz for stranded Japanese vessels. He indicated Japan could consider Hormuz minesweeping if a ceasefire is reached. The article, published on March 22, 2026, includes keywords such as Strait of Hormuz, Iran, MSDF, SDF, defense, U.S., sea mines, shipping, and Iran-Japan relations. Motegi's comments address the situation involving stranded ships and potential defense responses.

Relaterede artikler

Diplomatic handshake between Trump and Japanese PM Takaichi at White House, background map of Strait of Hormuz showing U.S. ships only amid reversal on Japan naval support.
Billede genereret af AI

Trump reverses call for Japan warships in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions

Rapporteret af AI Billede genereret af AI

U.S. President Donald Trump reversed his push for Japan to join a naval coalition securing the Strait of Hormuz, just before Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's summit with him in Washington. This follows his earlier sharp criticism of NATO allies for refusing similar support.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed 'serious concern' over attacks on vessels around the Strait of Hormuz during an online G7 leaders' meeting, urging early de-escalation. Japan plans to lead in releasing oil reserves to avert an economic crisis through international coordination.

Rapporteret af AI

South Korea is in close talks with Iran and other countries to normalize passage through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran offered to allow Japan-bound vessels amid the Middle East crisis. A foreign ministry official said the government is actively communicating with relevant nations while monitoring the situation.

Five Chinese navy ships transited the Tsushima Strait and headed northeast into the Sea of Japan, coinciding with Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force deploying new Type 25 long-range surface-to-ship guided missiles and hypervelocity gliding projectiles. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned the deployments as 'neo-militarism' and expressed serious concern.

Rapporteret af AI

The United States has deployed about 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Okinawa, Japan, and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli from Sasebo amid the war with Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2026. The move addresses Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil passes, as confirmed by U.S. officials.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States no longer needs naval assistance from NATO allies, South Korea, Japan or Australia to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing 'military success' against Iran. He posted this on Truth Social and called NATO's refusal a 'foolish mistake' during a White House meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. The Strait carries one-fifth of the world's oil supply.

Rapporteret af AI

Tokyo stocks declined for a third consecutive day as tensions escalated in the Middle East over Iran. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda warned of significant potential impacts on the economy, while the government stated there would be no immediate disruptions to oil supplies.

 

 

 

Dette websted bruger cookies

Vi bruger cookies til analyse for at forbedre vores side. Læs vores privatlivspolitik for mere information.
Afvis