Japan Considers Hormuz Minesweeping Post-Ceasefire

Japan is considering deploying its military for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies, if a ceasefire is reached in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated this hypothetical consideration, emphasizing the importance of creating conditions for all ships to navigate the strait. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed by Iran during the ongoing war, which is now in its fourth week, causing a spike in global oil prices and prompting countries like Japan to release oil from reserves. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to contribute warships to help open the strait, but Japan's military actions are limited by its postwar pacifist constitution, though 2015 security legislation allows for overseas deployment under specific threats to Japan's survival. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also discussed potential passage for Japanese vessels with Toshimitsu Motegi.