Japan asks for Strait of Hormuz to be reopened amid US-Iran impasse

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. (DOK Takaich/i 内閣広報室 / Cabinet Public Affairs Office) Executive Branch

JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called for the free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to be restored immediately. The request was made in a telephone conversation with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said amid the deadlock in negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Kyodo News quoted Monday, August 10, saying Oman was negotiating with Iran, which reportedly included a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Takaichi said Haitham conveyed that Oman would consult with the countries using the strait and respect their views.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said the two leaders agreed to coordinate closely to promote regional peace and stability, including in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for energy transportation. Since the conflict broke out in late February, the route has been effectively closed. This situation has sparked concerns about supplies and pushed energy prices sharply higher.

For Japan, this situation is of great concern because the country is heavily dependent on crude oil from the Middle East.

"I said it was important that free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz be restored as soon as possible without additional costs," Takaichi told reporters in Tokyo.

"To achieve this, it is necessary to talk to the international community, including the countries that use the strait."

In the 20-minute conversation, Haitham gave Takaichi the latest explanation about Oman's consultations with Iran as well as his country's position.

Kyodo News also noted that the talks were the first telephone communication between the two leaders since April.

Uncertainty still hangs over negotiations between the United States and Iran. Amid the impasse, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said on Saturday it had submitted six demands as a condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

One of his demands is compensation for damages caused by the battle.