Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had decided to dispatch Japan's navy to the Strait of Hormuz to join a U.S.-led escort mission, until close advisor Imai Takaya dissuaded her from doing so prior to her March 18-20 trip to Washington, according to Japanese tabloid Sentaku's April issue. Though his hesitance was reportedly shared by many in the ruling and opposition parties, it was Imai who confronted Takaichi, who is now reportedly contemplating firing Imai.

In her March 19 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Takaichi reinforced Japan's commitment to the U.S. defense alliance and its support for unimpeded energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. However, she also avoided committing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to joining a U.S.-led escort mission to end Iran's blockade of the strait.