Image for representation purposes only Japan has laid down three specific conditions before sending its Self-Defence Forces for a potential mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The terms include the U.S. and Iran’s ceasefire agreement to be finalised, the military threat from both sides in the waterway must be reduced, and communication between both sides must be open without attacking each other’s assets in the region. Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi mentioned the conditions at a virtual meeting of defence ministers co-chaired by the U.K and France to discuss a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait. He also emphasised the need to maintain transparent communication with the U.S which is not part of the operation. Japan’s constitution only allows the use of force for its self-defence and renounces war both in the country and abroad. The Maritime Self-Defence Force only engages in peacekeeping operations and anti-piracy missions at sea. After this, Britain released a statement saying, operations “will only commence in a permissive environment and in full accordance with international law and national constitutions.” Japan is preparing to deploy its SDF in case of a ceasefire for detecting mines in the Hormuz and helping secure the waterway for commercial ships. Many sources said that the government could also order the SDF to escort commercial vessels to protect them as part of a security mission. The mission could also involve dividing the strait into parts or zones to be protected by different countries.