Iran faces challenges in fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical flashpoint, due to the presence of naval mines and ongoing security risks, complicating mine-clearing efforts.

Japan's long-standing reliance on Middle Eastern oil for its energy security has been severely tested by the ongoing conflict in the region. A recent ceasefire has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz, offering some relief to tanker traffic.

Allies, military analysts and skeptics of the U.S. strategy have been asking how Iran was allowed to seize and maintain control of the passage in the first place.