Japan and the United States agree to safeguard navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz

Tokyo — Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Japan will cooperate with the United States and other nations to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Motegi conveyed this position during a telephone conversation with US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio on Monday, 16 March, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The conversation took place following US President Donald Trump’s call on social media for nations to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, though this request was not explicitly raised during the ministerial discussion, ministry sources confirmed.

Rubio briefed Motegi on the US position and efforts regarding the conflict, and both ministers agreed to maintain close communication regarding the Middle East situation.

Both also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate in preparation for a meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Washington, expected to take place on Thursday.

More than 90 per cent of Japan’s crude oil imports originate from the Middle East, with much of this shipment transiting through the strait.

For Japan, deploying assets and personnel from the Self-Defence Forces to overseas regions with potential involvement in armed conflict remains a sensitive issue due to constitutional prohibitions on warfare.

Japan can authorise Self-Defence Force vessels to escort Japan-related vessels in maritime security operations permitting limited use of weapons.

Motegi also held separate telephone conversations with his counterparts — Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates — reaffirming cooperation to de-escalate the situation.

They also discussed efforts to ensure stable crude oil supplies and the safety of Japanese citizens in the region, according to the ministry.