Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi left open the possibility of deploying the Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S.-Iran agreement to end hostilities, saying Wednesday that “nothing has been decided at this point.” The strait, a critical shipping route for crude oil from the Middle East, could require mine-clearing operations and maritime security measures even after a cease-fire takes hold. The question of Japan’s role in the strategic waterway — whether limited to diplomatic and reconstruction efforts or expanded to include Maritime Self-Defense Force operations — is expected to remain a major foreign and security policy issue.
Takaichi made the remarks during a news conference marking the end of the Group of Seven summit near Évian-les-Bains, France, according to Japanese media. Instability in the Strait of Hormuz, she said, could directly affect shipping, energy prices and Japanese industry because the country relies heavily on imported energy. “We will continue every possible diplomatic effort, including those related to reconstruction,” Takaichi said of the situation in the Middle East, and she said Japan would consider necessary measures to secure freedom of navigation through the strait and “steadily carry out what we are capable of doing.”
The U.S.-Iran agreement has shifted Japan’s immediate focus from preventing further fighting to securing freedom of navigation and considering its role in post-conflict efforts, the prime minister indicated. Even after fighting ends, naval mines and other threats to commercial vessels could remain in the waterway. Japan would then have to determine whether its involvement should be limited to diplomatic support or include operations by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Britain, France and other countries have called for the unconditional reopening of the waterway and indicated that mine-clearing operations could be required. Japan has signaled its willingness to participate in a related joint statement. Takaichi said Japan’s participation in such a statement would remain within constitutional limits.
The central issue is how extensively the Self-Defense Forces could participate. Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution prohibits the use of force except in circumstances involving the country’s right to self-defense. Mine-clearing operations conducted while fighting continues could therefore be viewed as the use of force against the country that placed the mines. Clearing mines left behind after a cease-fire, however, may be permitted under Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Act.
Japan has a precedent for such an operation. After the 1991 Gulf War cease-fire, Japan deployed Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweepers to the Persian Gulf. That mission marked the Self-Defense Forces’ first operational deployment overseas and became a turning point in Japan’s debate over its international security role.
Takaichi’s remarks did not amount to an immediate deployment decision. They indicated, however, that Japan could consider participating in maritime security operations depending on implementation of the U.S.-Iran agreement and conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.