Dear U.S. Embassy in Japan,

I would like to raise a simple question regarding current U.S. policy toward Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States is restricting Iranian oil exports by sea.

Iran responds by restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States then says that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored.

From an ordinary Japanese citizen’s perspective, this appears circular:

U.S. blockade of Iran
→ Iranian retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz
→ disruption of global shipping
→ higher energy prices
→ further U.S. military and economic pressure
→ further Iranian retaliation.

If the objective is to restore freedom of navigation and stabilize global energy markets, why not negotiate a reciprocal arrangement?

The United States ends its naval blockade and reduces military operations against Iran.

Iran restores normal commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Both sides stop attacking each other.

Japan depends heavily on energy transported through this region. A prolonged confrontation therefore imposes costs not only on Iran and the United States, but also on U.S. allies such as Japan.

I respectfully ask the U.S. Government to explain what outcome the current cycle of blockade, retaliation, and counter-retaliation is expected to achieve that reciprocal de-escalation cannot.

Sincerely,

A Japanese citizen