Takaichi Avoids Discussing Possible SDF Hormuz Dispatch

Tokyo, March 25 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday avoided discussing the possibility of deploying the Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively closed because of the war in Iran. “The situation in Iran is changing every moment,” Takaichi said at a meeting of the Budget Committee in the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, or Japan’s parliament. “It’s too early to say at this point.” A possible future dispatch of SDF units to the strait for mine removal “has to be decided based on the situation at that time,” she said. The prime minister said she did not promise to provide support through the SDF in her summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington last week. “It was a great achievement that we were able to confirm much concrete cooperation that will further enhance the quality of the Japan-U.S. alliance in a wide range of areas, including security and the economy,” Takaichi said of the summit. She revealed that she came up with the remark “Only Donald can bring peace and prosperity to the world,” which she conveyed to the U.S. president during the meeting, while on the plane to the United States. Additionally, the prime minister reiterated her openness to holding a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. “We will not rule out any options, and I hope to make a breakthrough and resolve the abduction issue by all means during my generation,” Takaichi said, referring to Pyongyang’s abductions of Japanese citizens decades ago. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]