Japan to Consider Hormuz Blockade Responses: Kono

Tokyo, May 14 (Jiji Press)--Japan will consider ways to respond to Iran potentially closing off the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf amid U.S.-Iran tensions, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Tuesday. "We want to consider seriously how to respond if a blockade actually occurs," Kono said at a press conference. Saudi oil tankers were sabotaged on Sunday near the waterway, a major passage for global oil transit. Some analysts suspect that Iran was involved in the attack. While showing commitment to de-escalating tensions, Kono suggested that considering contingency plans is also necessary. "We need to think (about responses) so that the Japanese economy won't be affected directly when something happens," he said. END