Japan to fund Middle East oil pipeline projects to bypass Strait of Hormuz

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is planning to provide risk-capital funding for Japanese firms to invest in regional oil pipeline infrastructure. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for crude imports, responding to requests from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to diversify export routes. The move reflects a strategic shift to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities in the event of regional maritime conflict.