May 1 (Asia Today) -- Japan considered deploying its Self-Defense Forces to the Strait of Hormuz ahead of a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump but ultimately held back due to constitutional and legal constraints, reports said Friday.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reviewed options in March to send naval assets to the region amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, according to Japanese media.
Two proposals were examined: dispatching minesweepers under Japan's Self-Defense Forces law or sending destroyers and patrol aircraft for "survey and research" purposes under a separate legal framework. Both options were shelved due to concerns they could violate Japan's pacifist constitution.
Article 9 of Japan's constitution renounces war and prohibits the use of force to settle international disputes, placing strict limits on overseas military operations.
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