Japan gets Iran's backing for sending SDF to Middle East

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave a nod on Friday to Japan's plan to send Self-Defense Forces personnel to the Middle East to help secure the safe navigation of ships amid elevated tensions in the region.In talks with Rouhani in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe briefed Rouhani on the envisaged dispatch in detail and the Iranian leader expressed appreciation for Japan's efforts to make its own initiative "transparent," a senior Japanese government official said.The envisaged dispatch, separate from a U.S.-led initiative to ensure the safe passage of ships near the Strait of Horm…READ FULL ARTICLE