Japan weighs sending minesweepers to Strait of Hormuz amid political debate | TheBriefWire
Japan weighs sending minesweepers to Strait of Hormuz amid political debate
Published 24 June 2026 · world
Japan is considering deploying its Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Strait of Hormuz for minesweeping and escort operations following a US-Iran ceasefire. The waterway is
Japan is considering deploying its Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Strait of Hormuz for minesweeping and escort operations following a US-Iran ceasefire. The waterway is critical to Japan's energy security, with much of its crude oil imports passing through it.
Japan's constitution places strict limits on overseas military deployments, and opinion polls show most Japanese oppose sending forces to the Middle East. The government says no decision has been made but considers mine clearance legally permissible.
Al Jazeera's Patrick Fok reports from Tokyo, Japan. Find us on Check our website Check out our Instagram page Download AJE Mobile App
Published: June 24, 2026 • 12:27 PM IST · Updated: June 24, 2026 • 1:10 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points· Video
Japan is considering deploying its Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Strait of Hormuz for minesweeping and escort operations following a US-Iran ceasefire.
The waterway is critical to Japan's energy security, with much of its crude oil imports passing through it.
Japan's constitution places strict limits on overseas military deployments, and opinion polls show most Japanese oppose sending forces to the Middle East.
The government says no decision has been made but considers mine clearance legally permissible.
Al Jazeera's Patrick Fok reports from Tokyo, Japan.
The BriefWire