The proposed dispatch of the SDF is likely to be approved by the Cabinet next week, and Japan earlier this month informed Iran that it is considering the contentious move.

Tokyo has said that it is in close coordination with Tehran amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East following the United States pulling out of a 2017 international nuclear accord and slapping fresh sanctions on Iran.

Among other incidents, in June a Japanese-owned tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping artery.

In July, however, Japan said unequivocally that it had no plans to deploy members of the SDF to the Middle East, as there had been a lull in attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.

Under the new plan, the SDF could now be deployed to the region for around one year, with the duration being extended if approved by the Cabinet.

Japan has decided to conduct its information-gathering and security operations independent of a U.S.-led coalition to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the SDF will stay away from the strait near Iran in a bid to maintain its friendly ties with Tehran.

The strait is a key gateway for oil from the Middle East to reach resource-poor Japan and prior to announcing its flip-flop in considering to deploy its forces, Tokyo had been ardently urging Tehran to abide by commitments it made under the 2017 nuclear agreement with major world powers and not take further steps that could potentially damage the accord.

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