ALBAWABA - Since the announcement of the peace deal between Iran and the U.S., reports have emerged about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, considering the mines that Tehran planted to stop the passage of ships during the over 100-day war.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tokyo has not yet made any decision regarding sending Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz to remove mines.
Japanese shipping companies welcomed the announced agreement between the United States and Iran on Monday, which is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, but stressed they would await further details on the agreement and the removal of mines before allowing their vessels to transit the vital waterway.
The Japan Shipowners Association stated that 38 Japanese-linked vessels remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28.
A spokesperson for the Japan Shipowners Association said the group welcomes the peace agreement but prefers to "wait a little longer for more detailed information," noting that further details are expected to be released on Friday in Switzerland, where the US-Iran agreement is expected to be signed.
