Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on March 22 that his nation could consider using its military to conduct a mine-sweeping operation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for oil, if the United States and Israel reached a cease-fire with Iran.
“If there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like mine-sweeping could come up,” Motegi said during a Fuji TV program.
“This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire were established and naval mines were creating an obstacle, then I think that would be something to consider.”
After the United States and Israel struck Tehran earlier this month and ignited war in the Middle East, Iran retaliated by moving quickly to block the Strait of Hormuz. The vital shipping artery is responsible for transporting 20 percent of the world’s oil supply….
Japan May Consider Mine Sweeping Strait of Hormuz If Cease-Fire Reached: Foreign Minister
