Japan Walks Tightrope on Iran Strikes as PM Takaichi Heads to Washington
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she will raise the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran directly with President Donald Trump when the two leaders meet at the White House on March 19 — but Tokyo is being careful not to say anything that could strain ties with either Washington or Tehran.
Speaking at a parliamentary committee session on Tuesday, Takaichi said her government is currently unable to make any legal assessment of the military operation, citing insufficient detailed information. Japan has so far stopped short of saying whether the strikes violate international law, while simultaneously urging Iran to pursue diplomatic solutions, abandon its nuclear weapons programme, and cease attacks on neighbouring countries.
The measured language reflects the delicate position Japan finds itself in. The country is a close U.S. ally, yet has historically maintained warmer ties with Iran than most Western nations — a relationship carefully cultivated in part because Japan imports heavily from the Middle East to feed an economy almost entirely dependent on foreign energy.
Ships Warned Away From Persian Gulf
The conflict is already creating practical headaches for Tokyo. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters earlier Tuesday that the government has advised Japanese vessels to avoid the Persian Gulf following disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil shipments — in the wake of the airstrikes. Ships already in the Gulf were urged to dock at safe locations. No damage to Japan-related vessels had been reported as of Tuesday, Kihara said, adding that authorities were still working to confirm whether the strait had been fully closed.
Despite the turmoil, Takaichi sought to reassure the Japanese public that domestic electricity and gas prices would not be immediately affected by the conflict. She also said the government had not yet reached a decision on whether to extend household utility subsidies, which are currently set to expire on March 31.
With her Washington summit just over two weeks away, Takaichi faces the challenge of addressing Tokyo’s energy security concerns and pressing for regional stability — without being drawn into taking sides in a conflict between its most important ally and one of its most strategically significant trade partners in the Middle East.