Japan has not decided on sending a minesweeper to Hormuz

Japan has not yet made a decision on whether to dispatch a Self-Defense Forces minesweeper to the Strait of Hormuz for demining operations.

This was stated at a press conference by Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.

He added that Tokyo is closely monitoring developments and will continue to work with the international community.

According to him, Japan hopes that a “final agreement” between the United States and Iran will be reached in the near future to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

“The most important thing is that de-escalation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is actually achieved,” he said.

Kyodo notes that Japan depends on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude oil imports. Most of these supplies pass through the strait, which has effectively been closed by Iran since the United States and Israel began striking the country in late February. At the same time, Japan, a close U.S. security ally, has traditionally maintained friendly relations with Iran.

It is recalled that on February 28, the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran, carrying out airstrikes on several cities. On the same day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on Israeli territory and targeted U.S. military bases in Gulf countries.

Iran, the United States, and their allies reached a two-week ceasefire agreement during the night of April 8, 2026. Talks between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan, were held in Islamabad on April 11–12.