Japan may deploy minesweepers in Hormuz if ceasefire reached

Japan is considering a potential minesweeping role in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is reached in the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said in an interview.

He described the scenario as hypothetical and dependent on a complete halt in hostilities.

Motegi said Japan could act if naval mines posed a threat to shipping after a ceasefire, though Tokyo has ruled out deploying troops for security operations in the waterway.

The comments come amid international concern over the safety of a key global trade route.