Uchikura & Co., LLC

The Security of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s Nuclear Issue Cannot Be Separated

 

For Japan, the security of the Strait of Hormuz is critically important to both its economy and daily life. Japan relies heavily on energy resources from overseas, and oil transported from the Middle East continues to play a vital role. Because of this, some may argue that “Japan should avoid provoking Iran to maintain stable oil supplies,” and even suggest that “we should turn a blind eye to Iran possessing nuclear weapons.”

 

However, I do not believe this logic holds.

 

If a country possessing nuclear weapons becomes a source of instability in the region, the safety of the Strait of Hormuz itself will ultimately be put at greater risk. Allowing nuclear development in order to protect short-term oil flow may lead to far greater dangers in the long term. Nuclear capability often strengthens hardline positions, triggering military buildups and escalating tensions among neighboring countries. In such an environment, neither maritime security nor economic stability can be sustained.

 

Japan is a nation that does not seek war. I strongly believe war should be avoided whenever possible. However, avoiding war does not mean tolerating nuclear proliferation. In fact, the opposite is true. The existence of nuclear weapons complicates diplomacy and increases the risk of accidental conflict and miscalculation.

 

Japan does not face a simple choice between “oil or nuclear disarmament.” While energy security is essential, preventing nuclear proliferation in the region must come first. Expecting stability while accepting the spread of nuclear weapons is an extremely dangerous assumption.

 

Both the stability of the Strait of Hormuz and Japan’s economy ultimately depend on order. Stopping the spread of nuclear weapons—which undermines that order—should be the priority.