Japan is weighing a significant military move: deploying its Maritime Self-Defense Force minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical chokepoints for global energy supplies. The consideration follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran on June 17, extending a ceasefire that has been in various stages of negotiation since tensions escalated in late February 2026.
The deployment could involve up to 16 MSDF minesweepers and escort vessels, tasked with clearing naval mines reportedly laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the conflict.
What happened and why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s daily oil supply. When Iran reportedly laid additional mines around the strait on or around April 23, 2026, global markets shuddered. Oil prices spiked. And Bitcoin, as it increasingly does during geopolitical stress events, moved sharply higher.
Bitcoin surged above $72,000 in April 2026 as risk sentiment improved following the initial ceasefire.
