Motegi hints at SDF deployment for Hormuz minesweeping

"A dispatch of SDF troops is possible if a ceasefire is reached," Motegi said in a television program, adding that minesweeping might emerge as an issue.

He also revealed that Japan explained a policy to help double the production of Alaskan crude oil through Japanese investment during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.

Looking back on the summit he attended, Motegi said the Japanese side told the US side that there are things that Japan can do and cannot do legally regarding the dispatch of SDF troops.

Although specifics were not discussed at the summit, Trump nodded in agreement at the time, according to Motegi.

"As Japan's minesweeping technology is among the best in the world, there will be something to consider after a ceasefire is established," he added.

Motegi said he believes that Japan's plan to help double crude oil production in Alaska had "resonated with Trump."

He also said that as Japan took the lead in issuing a joint statement by the leaders of seven countries, including Japan and Britain, just before the summit, criticising Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, it was welcomed by the US side.

Regarding negotiations with Iran to allow Japan-related ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, he said, "We are not considering such talks at present." Japan will consider such negotiations while monitoring developments in the international community as a whole, he added.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]