Japan says no request was made at G7 to deploy navy to Strait of Hormuz

Japan was not asked at the G7 summit in France to take part in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has stated.

He also said the government has no reliable information confirming the presence of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

According to the foreign minister, Japan intends to contribute to a peaceful resolution in the region through diplomatic means alongside the international community.

He also stressed that Tokyo opposes any form of fees for passage through the strait.

Motegi noted that Japan could only deploy its Maritime Self-Defense Forces for mine-clearing or escort operations after a firm ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and the establishment of reliable communication channels between Tokyo and Tehran, making deployment in the current situation highly unlikely.

At the same time, preparations are reportedly underway in Japan for a possible deployment of minesweepers to the region.

According to Kyodo, the United States expects Japan to contribute its capabilities in this area.

There are also discussions in Tokyo about potentially dividing the Strait of Hormuz into zones of responsibility after a ceasefire, where Japanese forces could participate in monitoring operations.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov