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FILE PHOTO: Illustration shows map showing the Strait of Hormuz and 3D printed oil pipeline A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and a 3D printed oil pipeline are seen in this illustration. Image: Reuters/ Dado Ruvic politics Japanese, French and Omani vessels cross Strait of Hormuz Apr. 4 05:47 am JST Apr. 4 | 04:10 pm JST 63 Comments By Kentaro Okasaka and Kantaro Komiya TOKYO/OSLO Three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran's policy to allow passage for vessels it deems friendly. Iran initially shut the Strait - a route for about a fifth of global oil and LNG flows - after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran at the end of February led to a widening conflict. Later, it said it would permit transits by ships with no U.S. or Israeli links. Oil and commodities markets are keen for signs traffic is resuming. Several tankers and container ships have managed to escape the blockade in previous weeks but activity was swiftly followed by days of complete paralysis. A container ship owned by France's CMA CGM transited the Strait on Thursday, the day that French President Emmanuel Macron said that only diplomatic efforts, not a military operation could open the Strait. The French vessel changed its Automatic Identification System destination to "Owner France" before entering Iranian waters, signaling its nationality to Iranian authorities. The vessels appear to have switched off their AIS transponders during the crossing because their signal disappeared on vessel-tracking data. Two very large crude carriers and one LNG tanker operated by Oman Shipping Management also exited the Gulf on Thursday, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG data. Oman, which mediated talks between Iran and the United States before the attacks, has criticised the launch of strikes while the talks were ongoing. Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lines said on Friday that the LNG tanker, Sohar LNG, which it co-owns, had crossed the Strait, making it the first Japan-linked vessel and the first LNG carrier to do so since the conflict began. Its spokesperson declined to tell Reuters when the passage occurred or whether negotiations were required. As of early Friday, around 45 ships owned or operated by Japanese companies remained stranded in the region, according to Japan's transport ministry. Another Mitsui-owned LPG tanker, Green Sanvi, left the Gulf via Iran's territorial waters earlier on Friday, according to the shipping data. The India-flagged ship signaled its destination as "India ship India crew". Also, Panama-flagged Danisa, a very large gas carrier, left the Gulf via the same route, heading to China, the data showed. (c) Thomson Reuters 2026. (c)2026 GPlusMedia Inc. [wzmGGj] Celebrating Japan's Creative Power Highlights from the CJPF Award Ceremony Learn More [wzmGGj] Celebrating Japan's Creative Power Highlights from the CJPF Award Ceremony Learn More --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Sort by * Oldest * Latest * Popular 63 Comments Login to comment [94654b] [94654] Tamarama Apr. 4 06:24 am JST Well, these countries have chosen not to be drawn into Trump's stupid war, and are reaping the benefits of sensible and balanced decision making. I am very glad Japan was not bullied into sending their Mine Sweeper. Smart decision. 19 ( +32 / -13 ) [d94ad1] [d94ad] Asiaman7 Apr. 4 06:26 am JST A map showing the Strait of Hormuz and a 3D printed oil pipeline Ah yes, the famously "3D printed oil pipeline." -9 ( +6 / -15 ) [2fa044] [2fa04] Vanillasludge Apr. 4 06:27 am JST This is the ultimate example of the degradation of American power. When your success depends on DISCONNECTING yourself from the USA it simply reduces your need for them. Don't think Japan, Taiwan and China aren't noticing that the USA can't get this done and won't complete the job. How much could/would the US actually do if China takes Taiwan? Trump has inadvertently accelerated the transition to a China dominant world order. 18 ( +31 / -13 ) [94654b] [94654] Tamarama Apr. 4 06:39 am JST Vanillasludge How much could/would the US actually do if China takes Taiwan? They've never actually said that they would get involved, just that they will help Taiwan defend itself (arms sales). There's no way the US will take on China in it's own backyard, especially now they have alienated all their former 'friends'. 7 ( +22 / -15 ) [facebo] [faceb] Abe234 Apr. 4 06:53 am JST StAy out of Trumps stupid wars. And Iran is doing the right thing in the long run by letting the gas and oil move. More A10s moving in,(just arrived into Lakenheath) on their war to the Middle East, more ships and marines, things are going to get messy and probably longer.. Btw all this "war crime" rubbish the news prattles on about.Nobody is ever going to charge Trump, Putin or Netanyahu with any war crimes let alone arrest any one of them. Just not gonna happen! War crimes are generally only ever used against the loser or poor countries. Very sad but even I can see there are two tears of justice. 20 ( +23 / -3 ) [d94ad1] [d94ad] Asiaman7 Apr. 4 07:01 am JST There's no way the US will take on China in it's own backyard, Trump didn't even want to take them on in the Persian Gulf. And that was wise! Iranian oil shipments to China kept flowing -- if anything, at elevated levels -- and that wasn't exactly a secret. The U.S. could have stopped those tankers, could have even sank those tankers -- but pretending that's a simple or cost-free option ignores the obvious: doing so risked massive escalation, spikes in global oil prices, and direct confrontation with China. Trump wisely doesn't want to upset China. Sorry, apologists -- sometimes the facts are inconvenient. -15 ( +5 / -20 ) [062a6c] [062a6] sakurasuki Apr. 4 07:06 am JST About a month ago, prior to February 28th everything just normal go in and out from that strait, until The King finally decide making another mess. -9 ( +16 / -25 ) [10f261] [10f26] kurisupisu Apr. 4 07:21 am JST A recent report by the Iranians: It seems that Iran has, in cooperation with North Korea, a large number of mobile ICBMs. if true then the war is at an impasse-America has to stop its aggression. -2 ( +6 / -8 ) [14108c] [14108] quercetum Apr. 4 07:24 am JST This is the ultimate example of the degradation of American power. When your success depends on DISCONNECTING yourself from the USA it simply reduces your need for them. Don't think Japan, Taiwan and China aren't noticing that the USA can't get this done and won't complete the job. How much could/would the US actually do if China takes Taiwan? Trump has inadvertently accelerated the transition to a China dominant world order. The thought in Taiwan is that anyone who still believes the US would protect Taiwan from missiles from China is a fool. -14 ( +6 / -20 ) Moderator Apr. 4 09:27 am JST Back on topic please. [ab597e] [ab597] bass4funk Apr. 4 07:27 am JST I am very glad Japan was not bullied into sending their Mine Sweeper. Smart decision. No one was bullied; they were asked, and if Japan doesn't want to commit to using its mine sweepers, then they don't. First, there's the economic side. If the "war" you're referring to involves sanctions or major power competition (for example policies tied to Trump and U.S. trade actions), countries that stay neutral can still get hit by supply chain disruptions, secondary sanctions, or pressure to pick sides later. Short-term gains (cheap energy, new trade routes) can turn into long-term dependency risks. Second, political pressure builds over time. Major powers don't always tolerate neutrality indefinitely. Countries trying to stay balanced may face diplomatic friction, reduced security guarantees, or even economic coercion. Third, security risks don't disappear just because a country opts out. If a conflict reshapes regional power balances, neutral countries can become more exposed later--especially if alliances weaken or deterrence shifts. Fourth, reputational costs can matter. Sitting out a conflict especially one framed in moral terms can affect how a country is viewed globally, which can influence future partnerships or negotiations. So it's not like the go in get the oil and have a good day and finished, it's deeper and more complicated than that, especially on the economic side and that is serious. -29 ( +2 / -31 ) [6e7ec0] [6e7ec] divinda Apr. 4 07:49 am JST Curious which currency Japan's oil tanker paid Iran for the supposed passage toll. Would be crazy if the Japanese owner paid Chinese Yuan as Iran has been asking, though that's probably why there's silence on that issue. And since Iran is so heavily sanctioned, its unlikely they'll accept any other currency. And hopefully this oil shipment is actually destined for Japan (no word yet on that either...). 0 ( +5 / -5 ) [b7d791] [b7d79] ThePunisher Apr. 4 07:54 am JST The likes of China, India, Japan, France and many more did the right thing by not joining the warmongering Americans in their disastrous adventure. Hence their shipments are now slowly getting through. Good luck with that downed jet pilot by the way, Americans - you'll need it. 9 ( +11 / -2 ) [b2e51e] [b2e51] MarkX Apr. 4 07:58 am JST Were we not told that Iran had mined the Straight of Hormuz and that Japan's mine sweepers were necessary to clear them out. But now ships are freely navigating without any fear of being blown up? Also, Takaichi was ready to commit ships to Trump's disaster, but she was shouted down by a more level headed member of advisors, a holdover from the Abe administration. Never thought I'd be happy that someone connected to Abe had anything more to do with politics, but in this case it may have really helped Japan! -3 ( +3 / -6 ) [532868] [53286] Ricky Kaminski13 Apr. 4 08:01 am JST Second, political pressure builds over time. Major powers don't always tolerate neutrality indefinitely. Countries trying to stay balanced may face diplomatic friction, reduced security guarantees, or even economic coercion. Third, security risks don't disappear just because a country opts out. If a conflict reshapes regional power balances, neutral countries can become more exposed later--especially if alliances weaken or deterrence shifts. Fourth, reputational costs can matter. Sitting out a conflict especially one framed in moral terms can affect how a country is viewed globally, which can influence future partnerships or negotiations. So it's not like the go in get the oil and have a good day and finished, it's deeper and more complicated than that, especially on the economic side and that is serious. Well said. Unfortunately you are talking to a bunch of people who want their pudding right now. The actual complexity stuff is mendoi and they have their low resolution moral high grounding to keep themselves satisfied. The sickly sweet gift that keeps on giving. For the sake of alternative mindset sharing, will be the thorn in their side and remind them to find an actual Persian, sit them down, then precede to tell them what's what. Will never go near any real discussions with real people like that of course, easier to bang pans, but it's just a mental image and filter worth reminding people of their angry, yet cowardice ways. Hot air balloons. Happy Easter folks! -9 ( +1 / -10 ) [14108c] [14108] quercetum Apr. 4 08:02 am JST Fourth, reputational costs can matter. Sitting out a conflict especially one framed in moral terms can affect how a country is viewed globally, which can influence future partnerships or negotiations. So it's not like the go in get the oil and have a good day and finished, it's deeper and more complicated than that, especially on the economic side and that is serious. Where's the conscience, Japan. Where's the moral fiber. Didn't anyone tell you that the proper way to prove your virtue is to start a naval parade the moment someone somewhere mentions "values?" Reputational costs, moral framing, global perception--sure, sure. The whole world sees Japan's apparently scandalous failure to fling frigates into the horizon on command. -13 ( +2 / -15 ) [922815] [92281] Mike Apr. 4 08:47 am JST "First, there's the economic side. If the "war" you're referring to involves sanctions or major power competition (for example policies tied to Trump and U.S. trade actions), countries that stay neutral can still get hit by supply chain disruptions, secondary sanctions, or pressure to pick sides later. Short-term gains (cheap energy, new trade routes) can turn into long-term dependency risks. Second, political pressure builds over time. Major powers don't always tolerate neutrality indefinitely. Countries trying to stay balanced may face diplomatic friction, reduced security guarantees, or even economic coercion. Third, security risks don't disappear just because a country opts out. If a conflict reshapes regional power balances, neutral countries can become more exposed later--especially if alliances weaken or deterrence shifts. Fourth, reputational costs can matter. Sitting out a conflict especially one framed in moral terms can affect how a country is viewed globally, which can influence future partnerships or negotiations. So it's not like the go in get the oil and have a good day and finished, it's deeper and more complicated than that, especially on the economic side and that is serious." All excellent points that your hero President Trump should have considered before doing Israel's bidding. 7 ( +7 / -0 ) [748278] [74827] GuruMick Apr. 4 08:50 am JST For the usual pro regime change and MAGA folks.....suck it up.... Iran showing it can distinguish between beligerents....namely Israel and USA...... and the rest of the world. Its a win for those nations who didnt blindly follow the antagonists into a war they started, and began when negotiations where underway. Sneaky doesnt pay . 5 ( +8 / -3 ) [28df10] [28df1] WoodyLee Apr. 4 08:53 am JST "" reflecting Iran's policy to allow passage for vessels it deems friendly."" Iran is acting in the best interest of it's national security in times or war, I guess. 7 ( +7 / -0 ) [28df10] [28df1] WoodyLee Apr. 4 09:15 am JST Good For Japan. 7 ( +7 / -0 ) [36472c] [36472] isabelle Apr. 4 09:21 am JST TamaramaToday 06:24 am JST I am very glad Japan was not bullied into sending their Mine Sweeper. Nothing to do with "bullying," and everything to do with making the strait safe for Japan and everyone else after hostilities had ended, just like Japan did in 1991 after the Gulf War. ... https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/1991/1991-2-3.htm In April 1991, the Government of Japan made a decision to dispatch six minesweepers with approximately 510 crew of the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Gulf. [...] Japan firmly adheres to its policy under its peace Constitution of not dispatching armed forces abroad for the purpose of use of force. Japan took the abovementioned step under the situation in which the cease-fire had officially been agreed upon and the danger of military conflicts had been removed, for a peaceful and humanitarian purpose of assuring the safe navigation of ships, including the Japanese, by removing mines which were identified to have been left in the water. Therefore, the measure taken does not apply to the sending of forces abroad. 10 ( +12 / -2 ) [49e8c9] [49e8c] rocketpig Apr. 4 09:32 am JST These wars are all about making money. Positions in oil and gas prior to war, and then ask for the biggest defence budget after you purposely use most of the Tomahawks. The top general opposing this is removed. The defence budget passes because you have to since you have no more ammunition, and you know who gets richer? Nukes and democracy have nothing to do with the war. -2 ( +0 / -2 ) [825881] [82588] sunfunbun Apr. 4 09:34 am JST All the Trump and MAGA love here is exhaustingly silly as arguments are exactly what dummy, as president of the USA, should have realized pre Iran attack and killing. There is no advantage to alienating allies to the point Trump has with controlling and disrespecting behavior. Because there is no true pragmatic diplomacy to Trump's actions, and they are based on emotional whims and juvenile idiocy, he creates situations of poor international relations, which in most cases is detrimental to US political power and anyone who tries to build a narrative of allies' Trump support on Iran is spewing nonsense. Obviously, his administration missed out on Geopolitics 101. Pre war Trump: 'Strait? Who cares? Hormuz? Oh, I love Spam and their canned Chili.' 1 ( +3 / -2 ) [aebee0] [aebee] Ryokai Apr. 4 09:37 am JST Diplomacy and money talks. Nationalism and propaganda only go so far. Iran still needs the money and the world needs the oil and gas and urea. The more countries distance themselves from the US - at least in this particular venture- the better. 3 ( +4 / -1 ) [af7edc] [af7ed] Makoto Shimizu Apr. 4 09:43 am JST All these very serious problems are consequences of the stupid attacks against Iran that are negatively impacting in the entire world. Few winners profiting a lot are weapons and some oil companies. This absurd war has to finish before it escalates to the Third and last World War 1 ( +3 / -2 ) [4c8d1c] [4c8d1] Blacklabel Apr. 4 10:03 am JST So the Strait isn't "closed" after all. -14 ( +2 / -16 ) [d544a5] [d544a] OssanAmerica Apr. 4 10:11 am JST VanillasludgeToday 06:27 am JST This is the ultimate example of the degradation of American power. No it is not. It is an example of a stupid Potus and his unqualified administration who started a war that nobody but Isreal wanted. But the world pays the price, including the American public. America will be back after we are rid of this deranged leader. 3 ( +7 / -4 ) [1e559d] [1e559] grc Apr. 4 10:13 am JST Trump. Won the election, lost the world 1 ( +4 / -3 ) [62ec46] [62ec4] Firefly Apr. 4 10:13 am JST So the Strait isn't "closed" after all. Semantics. It was 20 to 30 tankers each day before the war started. Three or four tankers crossing in as many days is still "effectively closed", as far as energy markets would interpret it. 8 ( +10 / -2 ) [43b9eb] [43b9e] HopeSpringsEternal Apr. 4 10:15 am JST Great news, global pressure on Iran's regime is building on all fronts, diplomatic and military, as holding the Strait of Hormuz hostage via terrorists will not be permitted, as free and safe passage of global energy is a must -9 ( +2 / -11 ) [d544a5] [d544a] OssanAmerica Apr. 4 10:20 am JST kurisupisuToday 07:21 am JST A recent report by the Iranians: It seems that Iran has, in cooperation with North Korea, a large number of mobile ICBMs. Western intelligence souces have determined that despite the long running North Korean assistance in Iranian missile development, their arsenal consists of short and medium range missiles.There is no evidence that Iran posesses ICBMs. 4 ( +7 / -3 ) [4c8d1c] [4c8d1] Blacklabel Apr. 4 10:20 am JST is still "effectively closed", as far as energy markets would interpret it. except that something can't be closed if it's open. -10 ( +3 / -13 ) [62ec46] [62ec4] Firefly Apr. 4 10:24 am JST except that something can't be closed if it's open. Sigh, yes, if you must insist to make some sort of point. It was closed until a few days ago, and now it's technically not closed anymore. Feel free to argue those semantics with the oil market. 8 ( +9 / -1 ) [4c8d1c] [4c8d1] Blacklabel Apr. 4 10:24 am JST I like this idea better: "Instead of Iran charging $2M per vessel going through the Strait, the U.S. will charge a $2M escort fee for every vessel -- which is about $9B a month or $100B in revenue." "We will waive that fee for any country that participates in the coalition to open up the Strait." "That will open it and reward the good guys that are helping us and punish those staying on the sidelines," -16 ( +1 / -17 ) [d544a5] [d544a] OssanAmerica Apr. 4 10:28 am JST MarkXToday 07:58 am JST Were we not told that Iran had mined the Straight of Hormuz and that Japan's mine sweepers were necessary to clear them out. But now ships are freely navigating without any fear of being blown up? Also, Takaichi was ready to commit ships to Trump's disaster, but she was shouted down by a more level headed member of advisors, a holdover from the Abe administration. Never thought I'd be happy that someone connected to Abe had anything more to do with politics, but in this case it may have really helped Japan! Mines are laid out in sectional fields. Anyone who laid the mines can direct vessels for safe passage, which is what is happening. AFAIK PM Takaichi never was prepared to the send the JMSDF upon Trump's demand. So no, she was not talked out of it. Don't know where you are getting this misinformation. Sending the JMSDF for minesweeping after hostilities cease has a precedent and is generally expected. 9 ( +11 / -2 ) [18a239] [18a23] kohakuebisu Apr. 4 10:50 am JST So the Strait isn't "closed" after all. It is to US allies. We also do not know what France and Japan agreed to to get one ship each through. It will be on Iran's terms. This war may have been started by Trump but has done serious and permanent damage to US power. Everyone not watching US media knows how badly the US has fared. It cannot even defend its own Gulf bases, which are now "uninhabitable" (NY Times). The consequences of this will long outlast Trump. 6 ( +8 / -2 ) [4c8d1c] [4c8d1] Blacklabel Apr. 4 10:52 am JST It is to US allies. We also do not know what France and Japan agreed to to get one ship each through. Japan and France aren't US allies? yeah, so what did Iran "get" from supposed US allies to let these ships through, any curiosity here? -16 ( +1 / -17 ) [7bd0ff] [7bd0f] stickman1760 Apr. 4 10:54 am JST Best thing Japan can do is stay away from Trump's mess in the Middle East. It's only gonna get worse unless he comes to his senses which isn't going to happen. 4 ( +5 / -1 ) [baac0a] [baac0] justasking Apr. 4 11:01 am JST No way! USA should block the passage of these vessels in Hormuz. Oh wait. 4 ( +4 / -0 ) [62ec46] [62ec4] Firefly Apr. 4 11:06 am JST Japan and France aren't US allies? In this war they aren't. And again that's debating semantics. I'm honestly not sure what you expect to gain from that. Arguing the meaning of the terms "closed" and "allies" will not change whether it is closed, and to whom. 10 ( +10 / -0 ) [003940] [00394] oldman_13 Apr. 4 11:10 am JST The result of not engaging in pointless wars. 0 ( +4 / -4 ) [4c8d1c] [4c8d1] Blacklabel Apr. 4 11:17 am JST will not change whether it is closed, and to whom. it doesn't. its open to the ships from the countries mentioned in the article for unknown reasons. so its not closed. -13 ( +1 / -14 ) [62ec46] [62ec4] Firefly Apr. 4 11:22 am JST so its not closed. Yes. You are semantically correct, in the most narrow sense of the word it is not "closed". Now, did that magically un-collapse the transit there? 11 ( +11 / -0 ) [4c8d1c] [4c8d1] Blacklabel Apr. 4 11:27 am JST Yes, it seems there is a way for all ships to get through if they want, just like these did. how/why they were able to transit would be great to find out, so that every other ship can do the same. -12 ( +2 / -14 ) [d4b212] [d4b21] Cochise Apr. 4 11:37 am JST What the syndromer/hand wringers fail to take in is that Trump is doing what should have been done long ago but no president had the guts and unselfishness to do, ie, destroy the #1 exporter of terror in the world before it developed a nuclear weapon (which the death cult mullah regime would have no hesitation in using). Was the task going to be pretty? No. Trump deserves our gratitude but instead it's simply business as usual for the usual suspects. -10 ( +1 / -11 ) [cead41] [cead4] itsonlyrocknroll Apr. 4 12:26 pm JST In a matter of possibly months, assuming this US/Israel bombardment, intends to continue, Iranian coast overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, the mountainous terrain, the strategic islands, Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, at present Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps uses for military positioning. launching points, could well resemble; Gaza's piles rubble. All could become dependent if President Trump, Israeli administrations, continues with these political military objectives, are determined to carry out such rationales for this war, The belief of an imminent nuclear Iranian threat, Iranian retaliation against US assets, to eliminate destroy Iran's missile and long military capabilities? The US military capability has the firepower to devastate Iran, the question does President Trump have the political nuance to persuade the US people? Will President Trump risk a ground invasion? Put serious large number of boot on the ground, supported by heavy artillery? -4 ( +1 / -5 ) [154448] [15444] Harry_Gatto Apr. 4 12:43 pm JST And hopefully this oil shipment is actually destined for Japan...... The tankers mentioned in the article are gas tankers, not oil. 3 ( +3 / -0 ) [e22be2] [e22be] IVO Apr. 4 12:47 pm JST another USA victory in progress... clear sign that USA power have decreased a lot. world is tired from your hegemony and agressions here and there. thumbs up for Japan to not get involved in conflict on side of US/IL agressors... 2 ( +3 / -1 ) [76c176] [76c17] mammola Apr. 4 12:53 pm JST I think I read Iran would have allowed the transit of non-US vessels as long the vector was willing to change the currency of commercial transaction from global US dollar into Chinese Yuan? could it be the case? 1 ( +2 / -1 ) [9c7629] [9c762] Zaphod Apr. 4 01:54 pm JST It is funny that we do not hear the environmentalist "just stop oil" crowd celebrating this. Suddenly, a lot of oil is being stopped.... is that not what they have demanding for a long time? -7 ( +4 / -11 ) [e57cc6] [e57cc] JJE Apr. 4 02:09 pm JST Safe guess is the Omani vessels were allowed to pass free of charge (as the article mentions, the FM of that country was the mediator when the sneak attack came and has spoken in defense of Tehran since then). The French and Japanese vessels would have paid a toll in Yuan, and an additional surcharge because their cargo is being traded in not that currency or a friendly one. Plus, they are both sanctioning countries. This will be the equivalent of reparations for the disgusting invasion and expected to continue for sometime into the distant future; a nautical snapback mechanism. -9 ( +1 / -10 ) [40202c] [40202] ClippetyClop Apr. 4 02:14 pm JST It is funny that we do not hear the environmentalist "just stop oil" crowd celebrating this. Suddenly, a lot of oil is being stopped.... is that not what they have demanding for a long time? It's also funny that this and every other oil war you were conned into supporting (against your will) has shown the inherent problems with relying on oil and the rancid people who control the price of it. You may mock renewables with, 'What happens when the wind isn't blowing?', but 'What happens when the Strait of Hormuz isn't Hormuzzing?' Also funny that you went in a single Trumpian instant from 'No more ME wars ever!' to, 'No more ME wars ever! (unless they work)'. 5 ( +7 / -2 ) [68eb48] [68eb4] Alexandre T. Ishii Apr. 4 02:19 pm JST I only see Trump as an excellent puppet of Netanyahu and the extreme Zionist regime in this war. 7 ( +8 / -1 ) [62ec46] [62ec4] Firefly Apr. 4 02:37 pm JST It is funny that we do not hear the environmentalist "just stop oil" crowd celebrating this. That's because abruptly cutting off energy causes economic and humanitarian harm and does not solve the underlying problem. The goal of environmentalists is a planned transition away from fossil fuels with alternatives in place. 6 ( +7 / -1 ) [1f6e06] [1f6e0] MiuraAnjin Apr. 4 03:09 pm JST Trump: "Go get your own oil!" Japan: "Kashikomarimashita." France: "D'accord." -3 ( +4 / -7 ) [7a48f2] [7a48f] Pukey2 Apr. 4 03:58 pm JST How much Chinese yuan did they have to pay Iran to go through the strait? -7 ( +2 / -9 ) [e57cc6] [e57cc] JJE Apr. 4 05:13 pm JST Important development - a major publication in America is reporting France has joined Russia and China in opposing a UNSC resolution that would have authorized military action against Iran in Hormuz. The vote was scheduled for Friday but has been postponed. -5 ( +1 / -6 ) [dc7ca4] [dc7ca] nandakandamanda Apr. 4 10:08 pm JST Some people say 'cross' the Hormuz Straight, but 'transit' or 'pass through' is probably more accurate as no one is actually 'crossing' between Oman and Iran. 2 ( +3 / -1 ) [14108c] [14108] quercetum Apr. 5 12:57 am JST China's military thinkers will be watching this war with the kind of attention usually reserved for a live-fire seminar. They'll be noting, with a certain clinical calm, how American air defences cope when the sky fills with more missiles than the system was ever designed to politely accommodate. They'll be studying the way the US logistics machine -- vast, expensive, and supposedly inexhaustible -- starts to creak when it's asked to sustain a conflict that sprawls across multiple fronts at once. In all of this, they'll be looking for the weak points: the gaps, the seams, the places where the whole edifice wobbles. And somewhere in Beijing, you can imagine the conversation shifting. If there was ever a carefully guarded calculation about the "right moment" to settle the Taiwan question on terms favorable to China, that calculation is being revisited -- not with panic, but with the cool, appraising eye of people who think history moves in windows, not certainties. -4 ( +0 / -4 ) [fefe05] [fefe0] 1glenn Apr. 5 01:34 am JST An unintended consequence of Trump's War may be to incentivize green energy development around the world. Rising petroleum prices will do that. The longer the war goes on, the more green energy makes sense. Regarding China, I think the weakening of the American military through expenditures and losses in Iran will severely weaken America's ability to threaten with power in the Far East. The longer Trump's war goes on, the weaker America gets. 2 ( +2 / -0 ) [fefe05] [fefe0] 1glenn Apr. 5 01:38 am JST It is a smart move on the part of the Iranian leadership to distinguish between those attacking them, and those opposed to attacking them. Countries that would normally be aligned with the US are realizing that Trump is insane. 2 ( +2 / -0 ) [562459] [56245] Aoi Azuuri Apr. 5 02:47 am JST This "Japan-linked vessel" doesn't go to Japan. But, Japan's most influential public broadcast "NHK" reports this topic as "breaking news" exaggeratedly as if oil crisis will be solved, falsifies ignorant mass who blindly believe government. Although who causing oil crisis to Japan is actually current Takaichi government who dislike direct negotiation with Iran unlike other countries such as ASEAN, most Japanese major media avoid even mentioning it. -5 ( +1 / -6 ) [af7edc] [af7ed] Makoto Shimizu Apr. 5 08:51 am JST There is no secret, just obey, attend international law and common sense, diplomacy, no acts of war to keep harmony and business 2 ( +2 / -0 ) Login to leave a comment Facebook users Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts. Facebook Connect Login with your JapanToday account [ ] [ ] [ ]Remember Me Forgot password? [Log In] User registration --------------------------------------------------------------------- [1jr8xz] GaijinPot Celebrates: Real Connections Networking Party Join us for a fun evening of making real connections in a stylish but casual social setting. 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