TOKYO — Japan on Thursday welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran to end their months-long war in the Middle East, pledging Tokyo’s maximum contribution to the region’s stability and reconstruction efforts.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference that Japan hopes the deal will be steadily implemented and calls for swift restoration of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.
“We strongly expect a final agreement on the Iran nuclear issue and other matters to be reached as soon as possible,” Kihara said, adding that Japan intends to play “every possible role” in supporting the region’s stability and reconstruction.
The U.S.-Iran Memorandum
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 14-point memorandum to halt military operations, with a 60-day window to negotiate a final peace deal, according to U.S. government officials and Iran’s state-run media.
The conflict has particularly affected Japan, a U.S. ally heavily reliant on the Middle East for crude oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reportedly laid mines in the effectively closed strait, disrupting this vital shipping route.
Japan’s Response on Military Deployment
Asked about the possibility of deploying Japan’s Self-Defense Forces—known for their minesweeping capabilities—to the Middle East, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a parliamentary committee session that he is unaware of any specific request and that there is no definitive information confirming whether mines have been laid.
Tokyo will “make diplomatic efforts, together with the international community,” to help Washington and Tehran narrow their gaps over remaining issues, including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief for the country, Motegi said.