Japan May Join Mine Clearance Mission in Strait of Hormuz

Japan's foreign minister says the country could explore mine-clearing options if a ceasefire is achieved in the region.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:37am

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Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that Japan may participate in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end in the region. Motegi noted that Japan's mine-clearance technology is one of the best in the world, and if a ceasefire is achieved and mines pose a barrier, Japan could explore that option. However, deploying Japan's Self-Defense Forces would be highly challenging due to constitutional and legal constraints amid the ongoing conflict.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping chokepoint, with over 90% of Japan's oil imports passing through the strait. Ensuring safe tanker transit through the strait is crucial for Japan's energy security. Japan's potential involvement in mine-clearing operations could help restore the flow of oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf region to global markets.

The details

Motegi stated that during the Japan-US summit, the Japanese side had informed US President Donald Trump of the legal limitations Japan faces in deploying its military forces, stressing that Tokyo must operate strictly within the law. The minister said that while this remains a hypothetical scenario, if a ceasefire is achieved and mines pose a barrier, Japan could explore the option of utilizing its advanced mine-clearance technology.

  • On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties.
  • Iran responded by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.
  • Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has actually stopped as a result, leading to rising fuel prices in most countries around the world.

The players

Toshimitsu Motegi

Japan's Foreign Minister who stated that Japan may participate in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities end in the region.

Donald Trump

The US President, to whom the Japanese side had informed of the legal limitations Japan faces in deploying its military forces.

Scott Bessent

The US Treasury Secretary who said that Japan, which relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its oil, has a strong stake in ensuring safe tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“Japan's mine-clearance technology is one of the best in the world, so – while this remains purely hypothetical – if a ceasefire is achieved and mines pose a barrier, we could explore that option.”

— Toshimitsu Motegi, Japanese Foreign Minister

“Japan, which relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its oil, has a strong stake in ensuring safe tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz.”

— Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary

What’s next

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The takeaway

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