U.S. seeks support for Hormuz maritime task force; Japan says it is reviewing possible cooperation

Financial News Tokyo correspondent Seo Hye-jin reported that the United States government has asked the Government of Japan to support its plan for a multinational maritime task force to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Islamic Republic of Iran has been attacking commercial vessels. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 17th that this request has been confirmed. According to the report, Washington has also expressed its intention to soon issue a joint statement with relevant countries underscoring the importance of freedom of navigation, and has asked Japan to publicly voice its support.
According to officials in the Government of Japan, this request was made during telephone talks between the U.S. and Japanese defense ministers held on the 15th.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the proposed maritime task force would be separate from military operations by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. He added that the specific scope of activities would be reviewed over the coming days and weeks. He stressed, "This is not about committing to dispatch equipment," making clear that Washington is not immediately asking Japan to send the Self-Defense Forces or naval vessels.
Hegseth also noted that the initiative is expected to be on the agenda at the U.S.-Japan summit scheduled for the 19th in Washington, D.C. He said U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to again call on Japan for cooperation during the meeting.
He emphasized that participation is being considered mainly for countries that are highly dependent on energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that a coordinated response by the concerned states is essential.
In response, Japan’s Minister of Defense Shinjirō Koizumi explained that Japan is working to help stabilize the situation as quickly as possible, but he withheld a clear answer on whether Tokyo would support the plan.
A senior official in the Government of Japan commented, "A multinational coalition is one possible option," and indicated that Japan intends to keep cooperation on the table as it continues its review. However, the Yomiuri Shimbun also reported that some of the countries concerned are taking a cautious view of the proposal.
The United States previously launched a multinational coalition in 2019, during the first Donald Trump administration, to secure the safety of navigation in waters around the Strait of Hormuz.
At that time, Washington sought cooperation from more than 60 countries in Asia, Europe, and elsewhere, but Japan declined to participate out of consideration for the Islamic Republic of Iran, with which it has traditionally maintained friendly relations. Instead, Tokyo independently dispatched a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer to nearby waters for what it described as "research and study" purposes.
Meanwhile, coordination on the joint statement emphasizing freedom of navigation is reportedly being led by the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom, UK). France, the Republic of Korea (ROK), China, India, Japan, and others have been approached about taking part. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the United States government believes there is a strong possibility that China will not join the statement.

sjmary@fnnews.com Reporter Seo Hye-jin Reporter