US focus on Iran could destabilize Asia, Japan's ex-defense chief warns

• Former Defense Minister Gen Nakatani warns US resource diversion to Middle East could impact Japan's security.
• Nakatani emphasizes Japan's need to strengthen its defense capabilities to counter potential power imbalances.
• The US has already redirected resources from South Korea and Japan to the Middle East, impacting Indo-Pacific security.
• Japan's friendly history with Iran could be leveraged to de-escalate tensions, according to Nakatani.
• Japan faces pressure to support US in Strait of Hormuz while balancing constitutional limits and oil dependency.