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Japanese Prime Minister rejects Trump's request to send warship to Middle East, cites legal constraints

By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declined a request by US President Donald Trump to deploy Japanese warships to the Middle East, citing constitutional limits, while signaling Tokyo’s willingness to support regional security through non-military means.

Speaking after talks at the White House, Takaichi said she explained in detail what Japan “can and cannot do” under its pacifist constitution, which restricts overseas military deployments, according to Kyodo News.

She reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to contribute to the security of the Strait of Hormuz, but stopped short of committing to direct military involvement.

Trump had urged allies, including Japan, to send naval assets to protect shipping routes as tensions escalated in the region. While welcoming Tokyo’s support, he reiterated expectations for greater involvement, noting that over 90% of Japan’s crude oil imports pass through the strait.

Takaichi instead proposed enhanced energy cooperation, including a joint oil-reserve initiative, to address supply risks stemming from instability in the Middle East.

The meeting comes as regional tensions intensify following a joint offensive by Israel and the United States on Iran, which has led to retaliatory strikes and disruptions in shipping through the Hormuz Strait, a critical route for global energy supplies.

Despite differences over military contributions, both leaders reaffirmed cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, including stability across the Taiwan Strait, and agreed to expand defense collaboration and joint missile development.