JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she would consider high-level talks with Iranian leaders at a time deemed appropriate, amid still high tensions in the Middle East. Kyodo News quoted Monday, March 30, reported that the decision would be taken by looking at Japan's national interests as a whole.
The statement came as the chances of a meeting between the United States and Iran mediated by Pakistan are still uncertain. At the same time, US President Donald Trump again threatened to attack Iran's energy infrastructure if no agreement is reached.
"I will assess the appropriate time to hold talks based on national interests from a comprehensive perspective," Takaichi said in a session of the Japanese House of Representatives Budget Committee.
For Japan, stability in the Middle East is very important. More than 90 percent of Japan's crude oil imports come from the region. Most of the supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the world's main energy shipping route. However, according to Japan, Iran has de facto closed the strait, triggering supply concerns and pushing prices up.
Since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran broke out late last month, Tokyo has sought to maintain a balance between its security alliance with Washington and its relatively friendly traditional ties with Tehran.
As reported by Kyodo News, Takaichi also appointed Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa as the official responsible for maintaining the stability of the supply of critical minerals in the midst of the Middle East situation. He ordered Akazawa to thoroughly review the supply conditions of important materials and prepare policy measures.
Akazawa said the government would coordinate with relevant ministers to maintain the supply of essential goods such as medical materials, food packaging, and fuel for truck operators.
The impact of the conflict has also been felt directly. Four Japanese crew members returned to Japan via Narita Airport on Monday night. However, according to the Ministry of Transportation, 20 Japanese crew are still on Japanese-related ships that are stranded in the Persian Gulf.
Japan also condemned Iran's de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as Iran's attacks on other countries in the Middle East in response to the US-Israeli attacks. The attacks reportedly caused civilian casualties and damage to oil infrastructure and other facilities.
Kyodo News said that the Takaichi government has not made a legal assessment of the US military operation against Iran. Even so, Takaichi previously showed support for Trump. At the summit in Washington on March 19, he called Trump "the only person who can bring peace and prosperity to the whole world."
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