Japan weighs minesweeping, escort operations in Strait of Hormuz

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has 16 minesweeping vessels, like the Takashima, seen here. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)RYUTO IMAO and RYOTA OGATAJune 16, 2026 02:01 JSTTOKYO -- Japan is exploring the possibility of minesweeping and escort operations by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement of a peace agreement between the U.S.

and Iran, but the government faces a challenge winning support for such a mission at home. TOKYO -- Japan is exploring the possibility of minesweeping and escort operations by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement of a peace agreement between the U.S.

and Iran, but the government faces a challenge winning support for such a mission at home. TOKYO -- Japan is exploring the possibility of minesweeping and escort operations by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement of a peace agreement between the U.S.

and Iran, but the government faces a challenge winning support for such a mission at home. Read NextMarketsFew months, even a year: Energy prices to remain elevated on US-Iran dealMarketsAsian stocks leap, currencies rise as Trump says Hormuz will reopenCommentHormuz crisis highlights China's unique oil strategyIran war'I didn't feel that I had a choice': Thai crew recount Gulf ship attackIran warUS starts Hormuz mine clearing, with Trump claiming 'favor to China, Japan'CommoditiesJapan's naphtha imports recover to 80% of pre-Iran war levelsEconomyJapan approves $19bn extra budget to curb fuel costs amid Iran tensionsLatest on Iran warIran warUS and Iran reach peace framework; signing set for FridayIran warIran questions US commitment to peace moves as Israel strikes LebanonIran warTrump says deal to end war will be signed Sunday, Iran questions timing Read Next Read Next MarketsFew months, even a year: Energy prices to remain elevated on US-Iran dealMarketsAsian stocks leap, currencies rise as Trump says Hormuz will reopenCommentHormuz crisis highlights China's unique oil strategyIran war'I didn't feel that I had a choice': Thai crew recount Gulf ship attackIran warUS starts Hormuz mine clearing, with Trump claiming 'favor to China, Japan'CommoditiesJapan's naphtha imports recover to 80% of pre-Iran war levelsEconomyJapan approves $19bn extra budget to curb fuel costs amid Iran tensions MarketsFew months, even a year: Energy prices to remain elevated on US-Iran deal MarketsFew months, even a year: Energy prices to remain elevated on US-Iran deal MarketsAsian stocks leap, currencies rise as Trump says Hormuz will reopen CommentHormuz crisis highlights China's unique oil strategy Iran war'I didn't feel that I had a choice': Thai crew recount Gulf ship attack Iran warUS starts Hormuz mine clearing, with Trump claiming 'favor to China, Japan' CommoditiesJapan's naphtha imports recover to 80% of pre-Iran war levels EconomyJapan approves $19bn extra budget to curb fuel costs amid Iran tensions Latest on Iran war Latest on Iran war Iran warUS and Iran reach peace framework; signing set for FridayIran warIran questions US commitment to peace moves as Israel strikes LebanonIran warTrump says deal to end war will be signed Sunday, Iran questions timing Iran warUS and Iran reach peace framework; signing set for Friday Iran warIran questions US commitment to peace moves as Israel strikes Lebanon Iran warTrump says deal to end war will be signed Sunday, Iran questions timing Sponsored Content Sponsored Content