Japan to dispatch SDF to Middle East

Japan's plan to send military forces to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan has been approved by coalition parties in the government.

After attacks on oil ships sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, Japan decided to send Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to the Middle East.

One of the ships targeted in the attack was a Japanese ship.

The plan to dispatch the Self Defense Forces will be finalized by the Japanese cabinet on December 23.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran opposes the dispatch of Japanese forces to the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to brief Iranian President Rouhani on the mission's goal during the meeting, which is expected to take place on December 20. (ILKHA)