Japan has yet to decide whether to deploy its Self-Defence Forces for minesweeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has said, according to Al Jazeera.

Japan is urging progress toward a comprehensive understanding between the two sides, Kihara told reporters.

“What is most important is that de-escalation, including securing the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is actually achieved,” Kihara said, according to Kyodo News.