The Argument is a new feature dedicated to promoting dialogue and deeper understanding of contentious issues by introducing various viewpoints.
Last month the government decided to send more Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels to the Middle East to protect its shipping interests in the volatile region on its own, instead of joining the U.S.-led coalition for this task.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated sharply since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the multilateral 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions in May last year.