Japan began releasing its national oil reserves for the first time in about four years in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, as concerns grow over potential supply shortages following disruptions in tanker traffic.
U.S. President Donald Trump called on Japan to "step up" its role in addressing tensions in the Middle East during a Japan-U.S. summit held on March 19th, as Iran’s ambassador to Japan also expressed expectations for Tokyo to play a constructive diplomatic role, placing renewed focus on Japan’s unique position between the two sides.
The Japanese government on March 24th approved a bill to revise the drone regulation law, expanding no-fly zones to roughly a 1-kilometer radius around key facilities and strengthening penalties in response to growing security risks.
One of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and returned to Japan on March 22nd, while diplomatic efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining individual.
President Trump defended his decision not to give advance information about the timing of his attack on Iran to Japan — citing Tokyo’s 1941 surprise raid that killed 2,403 Americans at Pearl Harbor. (New York Post)
Equipment including Japan’s first domestically deployed long-range missile launchers was unveiled ahead of its placement at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto City, where it was shown to local officials including the governor and mayor.
Two weeks after attacks on Iran triggered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, turmoil has spread through the global economy, with rising gasoline prices already hitting consumers while a looming shortage of petrochemical materials threatens to drive up the cost of everyday goods.
A container ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines that had remained in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was found to have sustained damage, although no injuries were reported among the crew.