Japan Says Dispatching Ships to Middle East Faces High Hurdles

Article content(Bloomberg) — Any decision to dispatch Japanese military vessels to the Middle East to escort ships would face “high hurdles,” a senior official said, after President Donald Trump expressed hopes that Tokyo would join the US to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe.”Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle content“While it is not legally ruled out, given the ongoing conflict, it is something that should be judged carefully,” ruling Liberal Democratic Party policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi told public broadcaster NHK on Sunday.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentKobayashi’s comments responding to Trump came days ahead of a planned visit to Washington by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Japan’s plans to reaffirm its alliance with the US and discuss trade and investment deals at a March 19 summit had already been overshadowed by the war in Iran. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentJapan is heavily reliant on oil from the Middle East to power its economy. Yet the country, which has maintained a pacifist constitution for eight decades, hasn’t taken a clear stance on the Iran war. Polls show the conflict is opposed by a large majority of its electorate. Article contentOn Wednesday, Takaichi announced that Japan would release 80 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves ahead of an agreement by the International Energy Agency to release a record total of 400 million barrels from emergency oil reserves.Article contentAsked about the issue in parliament last week, Takaichi said Tokyo has no plans to deploy minesweepers to help clear mines from around the strait, at least not until after the conclusion of the war between the US, Israel and Iran.Article contentGiven Trump’s propensity to change his message, Takaichi should use her personal ties with him to find out his true intentions, Kobayashi said on Sunday. Article content“We need to figure out what he really wants. This is the most important thing.”Article content—With assistance from Makiko Asai.Article contentTrending Canadians’ average wealth hit $1.07 million, but what’s driving net worth depends on your age, province and bracket Wealth Bank of Canada more likely to cut than hike after 'brutal' jobs report, say economists Economy Garry Marr: The pros and cons of doling out inheritance with a warm hand Family Finance This TSX stock has 30% upside on the company's $11 billion project backlog, analyst says Investor 82 Canadians crack Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s billionaires. Here's the top 10 High Net Worth Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Canadians’ average wealth hit $1.07 million, but what’s driving net worth depends on your age, province and bracket Wealth Bank of Canada more likely to cut than hike after 'brutal' jobs report, say economists Economy Garry Marr: The pros and cons of doling out inheritance with a warm hand Family Finance This TSX stock has 30% upside on the company's $11 billion project backlog, analyst says Investor 82 Canadians crack Forbes’ 2026 list of the world’s billionaires. Here's the top 10 High Net Worth