Japan has not received formal request to deploy troops to Middle East

Tokyo — Japan has not received a formal request to deploy the Self-Defence Forces to the Middle East for maritime security operations, said Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Tuesday, 17 March.

“At present, there is no formal request for the deployment of the Self-Defence Forces. No decision has been made,” Koizumi told the budget committee of the upper house of parliament.

He emphasised that diplomatic efforts to ease tensions remain the priority.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government is reviewing legal options but has not yet made a decision regarding troop deployment.

“We are actively exploring what can be done based on applicable law,” she said, adding that coordination with parliament will be undertaken if necessary.

The Japanese government is also engaged in dialogue with the United States and Iran to reduce tensions in the Middle East, Takaichi said.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also called for conflict de-escalation as soon as possible. Japan has conveyed serious concerns to Iran regarding attacks on neighbouring countries and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks against targets in Iran, including Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties.

Iran subsequently retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel initially claimed the “preliminary attacks” were necessary to counter threats from Iran’s nuclear programme, but later stated that the aim was to change the regime in power in Iran.