Two weeks after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, the Gulf region remained in the grip of the conflict, sending oil prices soaring as Iran has choked off the vital Strait of Hormuz and attacked Gulf energy facilities. The world's number-four economy is the fifth-biggest importer of oil -- 95 percent of it from the Middle East and 70 percent passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now effectively closed. Sending its Self-Defense Forces abroad is politically sensitive in the officially pacifist Japan, as many voters support the US-imposed, war-renouncing 1947 constitution. Last week, Takaichi said at a parliament session "nothing has been decided" over whether to send Japanese warships to the Middle East to escort tankers. Kobayashi said he would like to see Takaichi "ascertain what President Trump's true intentions are" over his call for reinforcements.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 15, 2026 04:55 UTC