Amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has effectively imposed a blockade, the Japanese government is deliberating the potential deployment of its Self-Defense Forces (SDF). Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed a desire to finalize the government’s position before a summit with U.S. President Trump scheduled for October 19. However, deploying troops to a combat zone poses significant legal challenges, and the government is working closely with the U.S. and other countries to evaluate the feasibility of such a deployment, even post-conflict. This review includes the possibility of mine removal, vessel protection, and expanding current intelligence-gathering operations.

During discussions in the Diet, Prime Minister Takaichi outlined that they are exploring what actions can be taken within Japan's legal framework. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi communicated with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the critical nature of securing navigation safety in the Strait for energy supplies and sought clarification on the U.S. position. There is a strong perception within the Japanese government that deploying SDF under the current Iran-U.S. confrontations does not meet criteria for collective self-defense, limiting options for any legal deployment of forces during ongoing hostilities.

The Japanese government holds that the current situation in Iran does not justify the use of collective self-defense or significant military assistance to the U.S. Furthermore, while actions such as maritime security operations fall under domestic law, Prime Minister Takaichi acknowledged that these measures are still challenging from a legal perspective. In contrast, Defense Minister Shinzo Koizumi indicated that while Japan cannot use weapons against other nations under these operations, the concept of using force for self-preservation remains an open possibility. The government continues to explore how to proceed amidst these complexities in national security and international relations.