Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru says the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, if the conflict in the Middle East escalates, would have “significant implications for our country’s energy stability, especially considering our reliance on oil imports from the Middle East.”

Ishiba said at a press conference on June 23 he couldn’t say how Japan would deal with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but is continuing to monitor the situation “with the utmost vigilance.”

“The most important thing is for the situation to stabilize as soon as possible, and we strongly request the resumption of dialogue from our country,” he said. “We are preparing to respond appropriately, taking into account all potential scenarios.”

Japan’s constitution does not permit the country to wage war, but Ishiba hinted that Japan might be forced to assist allies-militarily if its security is threatened.

“Our thinking originates from the concept of peace and security,” he said. “We do not intend to change that thinking. The concept of collective self-defense is that it must be deemed a true attack against our country in order for us to consider it such. This is important, and based on that perspective, the government will maintain its traditional stance on collective self-defense.”

Ishiba did, however, address the issue of the legality of Israel and America’s attacks against Iran.

“From a diplomatic standpoint, can we consider this attack to have been legal?” he asked. “Our country is not a direct party involved. Moreover, we are not in a position to accurately grasp the detailed facts of the situation. Therefore, I think it is difficult for our country to reach a definite conclusion at this moment, but I believe we must always consider what kind of evaluation can be obtained from an international law perspective.”

Ishiba said the world is highly interconnected and Japan has to act accordingly: “When calling upon the citizens regarding this security matter and raising the issue of the Middle East, we must properly recognize that we depend on that region for 80 percent of our oil. Peace in that area is essential.”