The Middle East continues to be a region that generates high levels of geopolitical competition, as it has always been. The involvement of global powers alongside local actors in the region leads to the emergence of multi-layered conflict zones. The impact of energy resources within the scope of hybrid warfare conducted by both state and non-state actors further increases this complexity.
There is a possibility that the crisis emerging around the Strait of Hormuz is only the beginning. Historically, the degree of control over maritime transportation routes and chokepoints has been one of the main factors determining the rise and fall of states. In this context, the statement of Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, “He who controls the seas controls the world,” still retains its importance today. When examined within the framework of the emerging multipolar world order, it is observed that this strategy has evolved into a new dimension of struggle. Technological, industrial, and communication developments at the global level contribute to the intensification of this competition. Therefore, especially in the maritime domain, control over transportation routes has become equivalent to a strategy of access to energy resources in today’s rapidly transforming international politics. Separating these two concepts would not be a correct political approach.
It is worth noting that the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic passage through which a large portion of global oil trade passes. Any crisis that may occur in this strait can lead to sudden increases in global energy prices and economic fluctuations. Maritime trade straits are narrow waterways that constitute one of the most critical elements of international trade and play a vital role in sustaining the global economy. These straits carry great importance not only economically but also strategically and politically. From a geopolitical perspective, having control or influence over these straits provides states with significant power. For this reason, major powers seek to ensure the security of trade routes by maintaining a military presence in these regions. Keeping sea routes open is a critical necessity for global economic stability.
For example, the Bosphorus Strait, which is of great importance for Türkiye, plays a key role in the transportation of grain, oil, and other commercial goods by providing a passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. This strait has a special status regulated by international agreements and has historically attracted significant attention both commercially and militarily.
Currently, global supply chains are heavily dependent on these narrow passages. Since production and trade processes are closely interconnected, even a short-term disruption in these straits can lead to serious economic consequences worldwide. The straits through which maritime trade pass are indispensable in terms of the continuity of international trade, energy security, and geopolitical balances. Therefore, the security and stability of these strategic passages continue to be a priority issue for both regional and global actors.
The Hormuz Crisis and the Transformation of the Security Architecture in the Asia-Pacific
Following the statement by United States President Donald Trump demanding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz against Iran, Asian stock markets experienced a sharp decline. This statement, suggesting that energy infrastructure could be targeted, reveals the fragility of the region’s financial system. For countries located in geostrategic regions such as East and Southeast Asia, the multipolar structure presents both risks and opportunities. Particularly for Japan and China, the cooperation developing between the Western world and their eastern neighbors carries critical importance in terms of energy corridors, trade routes, and security policies. Therefore, a balanced and multidimensional foreign policy approach is of great importance in adapting to changing global dynamics.
It may be considered natural for Japan to pursue a pro United States policy. However, the reference to Pearl Harbor by the United States President during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Japan, along with the accompanying statements, appears unlikely to be received positively by the Japanese public. Of course, it cannot be expected that the bilateral strategic relations established between the two states after the Second World War would be seriously damaged. Nevertheless, leaving even a small trace regarding American influence within the framework of soft power theory may potentially lead to negative consequences in the distant future.
Within the framework of a multidimensional foreign policy, Japan’s cooperation with Germany is noteworthy. In fact, when the factors arising from security concerns in Europe are taken into consideration, it is natural for Germany to be involved in strengthening such military cooperation. The meeting held on 22 March 2026 between the defense ministers of Japan and Germany has demonstrated the close ties between the two countries.[1] The German minister stated that he had proposed a reciprocal access agreement that would allow troops to operate more easily on each other’s territories. The parties also once again confirmed the strategic importance of security cooperation by discussing the situation in the Middle East and possible cooperation in defense procurement.[2]
There is generally a growing tendency at the global level to shift from a multilateral military bloc system to a framework of bilateral military agreements. The United States has pressured members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and some other countries to deploy warships to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea and Japan have not remained outside this framework. However, from Tokyo’s perspective, this initiative does not appear realistic for the time being. Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi, stated that if a ceasefire is achieved in the conflict conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran, his country could consider participating militarily in mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Motegi emphasized that this strait is a critical route for global oil supply and that such a step would be appropriate if mines were to obstruct maritime traffic.[3]
Another issue that should be taken into consideration is that Japan’s military activities are limited by the pacifist constitution adopted after the Second World War. However, the security laws of 2015 allow Japan to use her Self Defense Forces abroad, even in support of close security partners, in the event of an attack that threatens its survival and when no other option remains.[4]
Japan’s Middle East Strategy and Energy Security in the Strait of Hormuz
In order not to face the necessity of pursuing an independent regional policy or compromising its national interests, it is inevitable for Japan to attempt to establish direct dialogue with Iran. Japan already has experience in this regard. Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe stated that the main purpose of his visit to Iran in June 2019 was to ease the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran at that time and to assume a mediating role between Washington and Tehran.[5]
It appears that the Middle East has always held a special place in Japan’s foreign policy. In particular, in terms of energy, it should be noted that Japan obtains more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports from the Middle East. In this regard, Japan is largely dependent on oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, following the attack by the United States and Israel on Iran on 28 February, the waterway is effectively.[6] Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, stated in an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, “We have not closed the strait. In our view, the strait is open. It is only close to the ships of our enemies, that is, the countries that attacked us. The ships of other countries can pass through the strait.” With this development, Japan may soon join the limited number of countries, such as China, India, and Pakistan, whose vessels have been allowed to pass with the approval of Iranian authorities.[7]
This situation once again reveals the geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz and its critical role in terms of energy security. In this context, while Iran acknowledges that the strait should remain open within the framework of international law, it claims that, in practice, the passage of certain countries is kept under control. Moreover, it is also significant in terms of strengthening diplomatic relations in the region alongside Japan’s efforts to enhance the security of its energy supply. However, these developments are still considered a significant risk factor for global energy markets and international trade.
The Strait of Malacca and the Taiwan Strait: Energy Security and Geopolitical Risks
Japan’s strengthening of its strategic independence in the field of foreign policy can only be achieved through closer relations with China, which is the other key actor in the region. This rapprochement, arising from concerns over the security of maritime trade routes, is expected to take place with high probability in the near term. The security of the Strait of Malacca and the Taiwan Strait constitute fundamental areas of common interest for both countries. The possibility of any political tension or military activity in these straits should not be disregarded. Such developments could directly affect the supply of oil and natural gas, leading to instability in energy prices. This scenario is unacceptable for both Japan and China, as both countries are highly dependent on these straits.
The Strait of Malacca, by connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, has become one of the busiest routes of global trade. From a commercial perspective, the Taiwan Strait hosts a significant portion of global maritime trade. In particular, this route plays a major role in the transportation of goods produced in East Asian manufacturing centers such as China, South Korea, and Japan to global markets. From a geopolitical perspective, the Taiwan Strait is the source of the sovereignty dispute between China and Taiwan. Today, the Taiwan Strait is a key point both for the security of trade routes and for competition among major powers. This factor carries decisive importance for regional stability, the global economy, and international security.
[1] “Japan, Germany defense ministers discuss potential new pact to deepen ties”, Japan Today, https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-germany-defense-ministers-discuss-potential-new-pact-to- deepen-ties , (Date Accessed: 23.03.2026).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Japan could consider Hormuz minesweeping if ceasefire reached, minister says”, Japan Today, https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-could-consider-hormuz-minesweeping-if-ceasefire- reached-minister-says , (Date Accessed: 23.03.2026).
[4] Ibid.
[5] “Japan ruling party exec urges PM to hold top-level dialogue with Iran”, Japan Today, https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-ruling-party-exec-urges-pm-to-hold-top-level-dialogue-with- iran , (Date Accessed: 23.03.2026).
[6] Erin Hale, “Iran says it will allow Japanese ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/3/21/iran-says-it-will-allow-japanese-ships-to-transit- the-strait-of-hormuz , (Date Accessed: 23.03.2026).
[7] Ibid.
