Japan denies US claim it will deploy naval forces to Strait of Hormuz

Japan has denied a US claim that it plans to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, distancing itself from suggestions of a military role in securing the vital shipping route.

According to the Japanese news agency Jiji Press, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had made no explicit commitment to send vessels from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force to the region.

The denial follows remarks by US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, who told CBS that Japan had pledged to allocate part of its naval fleet to help secure maritime traffic in the strait.

“We see that our allies are beginning to adopt what we have been saying, as they should,” Waltz said.

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However, Takaichi had previously told parliament that Japan would continue to cooperate with the international community through diplomatic efforts, including addressing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, without indicating any military deployment.

In a related development, US President Donald Trump said Washington and Israel are in discussions with several countries to ensure the security of the strait, amid fears it could be disrupted by the escalating conflict involving Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called on countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to contribute naval forces, warning against leaving the strategic waterway under threat.

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