March 2, 2026

Amid the turmoil in the Middle East caused by the U.S.-Israeli preemptive attack against Iran, the response of the Japanese government is being called into question.

If the Japanese government truly values the rule of law, it should strongly condemn the United States and Israel for disregarding international law and the UN Charter by forcibly launching a joint attack in a war of aggression and should demand an immediate halt to the attack. Japan must not tolerate the attack in order to avoid upsetting U.S. President Trump.

Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its crude oil, with most shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned ships in the Persian Gulf that “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz.” Based on other reports, a de facto blockade has already been implemented. If so, Japan’s economy will likely be adversely affected by soaring oil prices.

Currently, it is impossible to predict whether Iran will impose a full blockade on the Strait of Hormuz or lay mines in the Persian Gulf. If the situation in Iran escalates and the United States requests the deployment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, will Japan be able to refuse?

Japan must not blindly prioritize the Japan-U.S. military alliance above all else, thereby nullifying the Middle East diplomacy Japan has developed based on the peace principles enshrined in its Constitution.