Japan PM Takaichi Considering Options on Hormuz Strait Request from U.S.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:16 JST, March 17, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday stated that the government was exploring what can be done within the bounds of the law, regarding a potential request from the United States on cooperating to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan will likely respond during the Japan-U.S. summit scheduled for Thursday in Washington.

At a House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting on the day, Komeito’s Makoto Nishida requested a meeting of ruling and opposition party leaders regarding a response to the situation in the Middle East. “Depending on the circumstances, some tasks may require the approval of the Diet,” said Takaichi. “In such cases, I would like to have a thorough and respectful discussion with representatives from all parties and parliamentary groups,” she added.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his intention that Japan and other nations dispatch vessels to the Strait of Hormuz. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reiterated the government’s stance of carefully considering such a request. “Nothing has been decided regarding dispatching the Self-Defense Forces,” he said.