Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday stressed the importance of not charging for passage through the Strait of Hormuz in a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, given that the trade route is effectively closed amid the deadlock in negotiations with the United States.
Speaking to reporters at his office in Tokyo, Prime Minister Takaichi said he also conveyed to President Pezeshkian that Japan considers it necessary for the United States and Iran to hold talks and reach an agreement as soon as possible, especially regarding nuclear issues.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Takaichi said he conveyed to President Pezeshkian "it is important to restore free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible without additional costs," quoted from Kyodo News (12/8).
Japan, which has few natural resources, is heavily reliant on the Middle East for crude supplies.
During the 20-minute conversation, President Pezeshkian explained Iran's position, including the status and prospects of its talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, according to Prime Minister Takaichi.
Previously, PM Takaichi had spoken with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Monday.
PM Takaichi said he conveyed "deep concerns" from an energy security perspective regarding the situation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southwestern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, as well as asking Iran to urge the Houthi rebel group in Yemen - which is aligned with Tehran - to refrain.
Yemeni authorities on Tuesday said the Houthi group - which in July announced a "maritime blockade" targeting Saudi Arabian vessels - had launched a deadly attack on a cargo ship in the strait.
The strait has become an alternative route for crude oil shipments amid the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
PM Takaichi quoted President Pezeshkian's statement that Iran is trying to solve the problem while engaging in dialogue with Saudi Arabia.
The talks between PM Takaichi and President Pezeshkian were the first since June and the fourth since the US-Israeli war against Iran began in late February.
Japan is a close ally of the United States and has traditionally had good relations with Iran.
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