Japan hints at deploying self-defense forces for minesweeping in Hormuz

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has hinted that Japan may deploy its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to conduct minesweeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, reported the ANI. He emphasised that any deployment would depend on the realization of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Motegi highlighted Japans advanced maritime technology in minesweeping, stating, Japans minesweeping technology is at the top level in the world.

He added that a deployment would be considered only if mines posed a threat to maritime traffic after a ceasefire is in place, according to the ANI. Diplomatic context Motegis remarks followed high-level diplomatic discussions during the Japan-U.S. summit last Thursday. He recalled that President Donald Trump acknowledged Japans constitutional and legal restrictions on the use of its military overseas, the news agency reported.

Motegi clarified that no specific promises were made during the summit, and no immediate issues require domestic deliberation by the Japanese government. Regional tensions and energy security The region remains tense following airstrikes by US and Israeli forces against Iran on 28 February. These developments have major implications for global energy security and the stability of the Middle East.

Japan relies on the region for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports, making safe maritime routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for its energy supply. Release of Japanese nationals In a related development, Motegi confirmed the release of one of two Japanese citizens detained in Iran. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated on Sunday that the individual, who had been in custody since June, departed Iran via Azerbaijan last Wednesday and has safely returned to Japan in good health.

Regarding the remaining detainee, Motegi assured that the government is working actively toward an early resolution of the case by saying, We are working toward the early release of the other individual.

According to a non-profit organisation, the second detainee is reportedly the Tehran bureau chief of NHK, Japans public broadcaster, who was taken into custody by local authorities on January 20 as per ANI reports. Japan weighs strategic minesweeping Japan is carefully balancing regional security concerns, energy needs, and legal constraints on military action. The potential deployment of the SDF for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz would be a conditional, strategic measure to safeguard safe maritime passage.

Meanwhile, Japan continues diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in the Middle East. (With ANI Inputs)