JAKARTA - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was ready to facilitate the sailing of Japanese ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route, and negotiations with Japan on this issue were underway.
"We have not closed the strait. The strait is open," Araghchi said in a telephone interview with Kyodo News, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, March 21.
He also stressed that Iran, which was attacked by the United States and Israel in late February, does not want "a ceasefire, but rather a complete, comprehensive, and lasting end to the war."
Araghchi said Iran had not closed the strategic waterway but had imposed restrictions on vessels belonging to countries involved in attacks on Iran, while offering assistance to other countries amid growing security concerns.
He said Iran was ready to ensure safe passage for countries such as Japan if they coordinated with Tehran.
Japan relies on the Middle East for 90 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which are supplied through the strait.
Araghchi said the issue of Japanese ship navigation was discussed with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, with talks still ongoing without further details.
Araghchi, a former ambassador to Japan, has had phone talks with Motegi twice since the attack on Iran was launched on February 28.
He admitted that he had discussed the shipping routes of Japanese ships through the strait with Motegi.
In their last conversation earlier this week, Motegi urged Iran to ensure the safety of all ships in the strait.
In Tokyo, a Foreign Ministry official said Japan would carefully assess Araghchi's statement, although Japanese ships could sail through the strait, energy price spikes would still occur.
A Japanese government official said "direct negotiations with Iran" were the "most effective way" to lift the blockade of the strait, while noting the need to avoid provoking the United States. Ships from countries such as India, Pakistan, and Turkey have reportedly passed through the strait.
Iran has rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire, insisting any resolution must include guarantees against future attacks as well as compensation for damage inflicted during the conflict.
Araghchi described the war as "forced on Iran," saying Tehran had been engaged in negotiations with the United States when the attacks began.
"This is an illegal and unprovoked act of aggression," he said, adding that Iran's response was self-defense and would continue "as long as necessary."
He called on the international community, including Japan, to take a stand against the attack, while expressing appreciation for Tokyo's traditionally "balanced and fair" position and long-standing friendship with Iran.
Araghchi noted that several countries are trying to mediate a resolution of the conflict and said Iran is "open to any initiative" and is willing to consider proposals.
At the same time, he suggested that although diplomatic efforts were underway, the United States had not shown its readiness for a sincere resolution.
The war in the region has escalated into a wider confrontation and raised concerns about regional stability and the security of energy supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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