JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister (PM) Sanae Takaichi and Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said, Tuesday (14/4), agreed that the two countries would work together to encourage de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, including ensuring the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
After a telephone conversation with Haitham, Takaichi told reporters that he had explained Japan's view on the importance of maintaining a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and immediately reaching a final agreement through diplomatic efforts.
The United States and Iran previously agreed to a two-week ceasefire in an announcement on Wednesday (8/4). However, high-level talks held last weekend to negotiate a long-term peace ended without a breakthrough.
The United States also stated that it had begun imposing a naval blockade on all maritime traffic attempting to enter or leave ports in Iran since Monday (13/4).
Takaichi also said that his government would consider steps it could take to help restore damaged infrastructure in Oman, one of Japan's crude oil suppliers, after Iran's attacks on Gulf countries. This was in response to attacks by the United States and Israel since late February.
Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route that is currently practically closed due to the conflict.
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