Japan may consider Hormuz minesweeping if ceasefire is reached, minister says

Japan may consider deploying its military for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is reached in the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Sunday.

Speaking hypothetically, Motegi said such a move could be explored if naval mines posed a threat to safe navigation after hostilities end. He stressed that any decision would depend on a complete ceasefire and evolving conditions in the vital oil transit route.

Japan’s military role remains constrained by its postwar pacifist constitution, though 2015 security laws allow overseas deployment of the Self-Defense Forces under limited circumstances, particularly if Japan’s survival is at risk.

Motegi added that Tokyo has no immediate plans to arrange safe passage specifically for Japanese vessels but emphasized the importance of restoring free navigation through the strait, which handles about a fifth of global oil shipments.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently indicated that discussions had taken place with Japan over the possible passage of Japanese-linked ships through the waterway.

Japan relies heavily on the route, with around 90% of its oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely restricted during the conflict. The disruption has contributed to rising global oil prices, prompting countries to tap into strategic reserves.

The issue was also raised during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with Washington urging Tokyo to play a greater role in securing the crucial shipping lane.