Takaichi Welcomes the Deal for Ending Iran War

During her travel in Europe for bilateral meetings with the U.K. and Italian leaders and Group of Seven (G7) summit meeting in France, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received a news that the United States and Iran reached a deal to end their fighting. It must be a good news for Takaichi who has been making every effort to find fiscal resource to support the people suffering from price inflation stemmed from the war. Now her concern is what kind of contribution Japan can do, if the deal really leads to the end of war in Iran.

“I welcome this memorandum on an agreement as a major step for settlement of current situation,” posted Takaichi in her account of X, emphasizing her diplomatic effort as the leader of Japan. She expected implementation of the agreement and free and safe traffic in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. She praised efforts of the parties directly involved in the war or intervened in the negotiation.

 

At the beginning of the war in Iran, she refused to make a legal evaluation of attack on Iran and accused Iran of its nuclear program. In the meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in March, Takaichi curried favor with him, saying “Donald is the only person who can bring peace and prosperity across the world.” In fact, Takaichi has firmly been standing on the U.S. side.

 

On the agreement of the U.S. and Iran, the leaders of France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy issued a joint statement. It demanded “urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation,” expressing their willingness of playing their part to achieve it, in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. Takaichi revealed that she received a request to join the statement and was willing to do that.

 

While the U.S. and Iran reached a deal, they still have some differences in crucial points. Trump stressed toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran insists on the control of the strait by Iran and Oman, which would give them authority to receive service fee from ships passing the strait. The U.S., backed by Israel, demands total dismantlement of nuclear development in Iran with removal of highly enriched uranium in Iran.

 

Japan cannot send its self-defense force (SDF) without complete ceasefire. Takaichi explained Trump in March about Japan’s constitutional restriction of sending troops to the Middle East. It is unlikely for Japan to decide dispatching the SDF in a situation which the U.S. and Iran may reopen battles each other in any time. Takaichi and her staffs are considering how Japan can contribute to the post-war reconstruction efforts.

 

Most possible one is minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz. If it is made without agreement of ceasefire, it will be regarded as an act of war. Japan thus needs an assurance that the parties will never get back to the battle. But sending troops to support the U.S. may affect approval ratings of Takaichi. She will face a choice to stand by Trump, with whom Takaichi proud of her close relationship, or to take distance from involvement in the conflict in the Middle East.

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