Call for Supporting Regional Security Efforts

EghtesadOnline: The Iranian Embassy in Japan emphasized that the presence of foreign forces will not guarantee stability in the Persian Gulf, calling on friendly countries such as Japan to support Iran's Hormuz Peace Endeavor that engages regional states in security efforts.

News ID: ۷۴۹۳۱۹

29 December 2019

The message appeared on the embassy's Twitter account on Friday, following Japan's decision to deploy naval forces to the Middle East to protect Japanese ships.

"It is hoped that friendly countries will fulfill international obligations to ensure safe navigation by appropriate and practical support of the Hormuz initiative [also known as HOPE]. The presence of foreign forces is unlikely to contribute to regional peace, stability or security," the embassy tweeted in both Japanese and Persian, ISNA reported.

It also described the Hormuz Peace Endeavor as a "local and effective platform" for alleviating regional tensions.

The initiative invites all regional states and the United Nations to work together for ensuring peace.

The Persian Gulf region has been experiencing heightened tensions in recent months following several attacks on international merchant vessels, including the Japanese-owned tanker Kokuka Courageous, near the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes.

The incidents have raised international concerns about the safety of navigation in the strategic waterway, compelling countries such as the United States and Europe to start security operations in the region.

The US blamed the incidents on Iran, although it firmly denies involvement, and formed a coalition to purportedly protect shipping in the region.

Japan, a Washington ally that has maintained friendly ties with Iran, has opted to launch its own operation rather than join the US-led mission.

Under the plan approved by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet, a helicopter-equipped destroyer and two P-3C patrol planes will be dispatched for information-gathering aimed at ensuring safe passage for Japanese vessels through the region, according to Reuters.

Its planned operation is set to cover high seas in the Sea of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, but not the Strait of Hormuz.