Tokyo, July 11 (Jiji Press) — Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami on Thursday declined to comment on news reports that the United States has asked Japan to cooperate in a proposed coalition to safeguard waters mainly off Iran.

The two countries “are in close contact over the situations surrounding Iran,” Nogami told a news conference. “But I’d like not to talk about details now.”

“It is vitally significant to ensure navigation safety at the Strait of Hormuz in terms of our country’s energy security and is extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community,” Nogami stressed. But he declined to comment on the planned coalition itself.

Nogami said, “We hope to play a role in efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East as much as possible while working closely with the United States and other related countries.”

Last month, two tankers, including one operated by a Japanese company, were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.