Japanese Foreign Minister to Visit Saudi Arabia-Oman Next Week to Discuss Strait of Hormuz

The crude oil tanker ENEOS DREAM sails through the Uraga Strait at the entrance to Tokyo Bay on May 16, 2026, in Kanagawa, Japan. Anadolu Agency/pri.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi will visit Saudi Arabia and Oman next week to discuss the Strait of Hormuz issue with his counterparts.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said the move was taken as part of its country's efforts to strengthen ties with Middle Eastern countries to ensure freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Motegi's visit to the Middle East on August 17-22 was the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister since the outbreak of the US-Israel and Iran war on February 28.

According to the ministry, through the visit, Japan also hopes to facilitate talks so that the US and Iran can reach a peaceful agreement.

Motegi is scheduled to convey Japan's intention to play an active role in the recovery and reconstruction of Gulf countries affected by Iran's retaliatory attacks, as well as strengthening their economic resilience.

In Saudi Arabia, Motegi and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud are expected to discuss the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which has become an alternative route for transporting crude oil amid the practically closed Hormuz Strait.

In Oman, Motegi is scheduled to meet with Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi to emphasize the importance of not charging for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Currently, Oman is negotiating with Iran regarding control over the strait, which is one of the arteries of the world's energy supply shipping routes.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry added that Motegi also plans to meet with Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi - head of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen, who is currently in Saudi Arabia - to discuss Tokyo's support for stabilization efforts in Yemen.