Barry Bull
Donor
No embargo = no reason for Japan to attack the US or anyone else. Those forced Japan into a impossible position where the desperate gamble of war seemed like a alternative. So yes delaying the embargo very likely delays a war. Maybe it even avoids it, with the Japanese leaders facing a clearly stronger opposition & accepting the humiliation of negotiating concessions & even a end to the China Incident.
This question can be turned around. WI the Embargos are imposed in November or December 1940, when Japan first lands soldiers in FIC ports and wrings concessions for occupation from retains government? This accelerates the situation approx six months, perhaps more.
The more frantical mid and low rank IJA officers may go for another coup against both the opposition and the government in the face of such humiliation.