Japan said it is not currently considering deploying naval forces to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for allied countries to help secure the critical global energy shipping route. Speaking in parliament on Monday, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that Tokyo is not planning to issue a maritime security operation at this stage amid escalating tensions involving Iran and key Middle East oil infrastructure.

Global oil markets and maritime security concerns intensified after remarks by Donald Trump suggesting the United States could conduct additional strikes on Iran’s major oil export hub at Kharg Island, a key facility responsible for a large share of Iran’s crude shipments to international markets.
Speaking about the potential for further military action, Trump said the United States “may hit it a few more times just for fun,” signaling a possible escalation in tensions linked to energy infrastructure in the region. The comment represents a shift from earlier statements in which Trump indicated that U.S. operations were focused primarily on military targets located on Kharg Island rather than oil export facilities.