Iran is willing to let Japanese ships pass the Strait of Hormuz. That is according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who says Tehran is prepared to coordinate with Tokyo for safe transit through the strategic waterway. On Saturday, he posted on Telegram the transcript of his interview with Kyodo News, stating, “We have not closed the Strait. In our view, it is open.”
He added, “It is only closed to the ships of our enemies, the countries that attack us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait. Of course, there is an issue of insecurity. We are ready to provide them with safe passage if they get in touch; we will talk with them to find a way for a safe passage.”
Tokyo Focused on ‘Conditions Where Everyone Can Pass’
According to Araghchi, the issue was raised during a phone call with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi last Tuesday. Speaking on a Fuji Television program on Sunday, Motegi said Japan isn’t considering unilateral negotiations with Iran to secure passage for its vessels through the strait. Instead, Tokyo is focused on ensuring “conditions where everyone can pass.”
Motegi also said Japan could consider deploying its forces for minesweeping operations in the strait. “If there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like minesweeping could come up,” he said. “This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire were established and naval mines were creating an obstacle, then I think that would be something to consider.”
The Importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Japan
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global energy supplies, and for Japan it is especially vital: roughly 93% of the country’s imported crude oil passes through the strait. Rising security concerns have already pushed up oil prices, contributing to higher fuel costs and inflationary pressure at home, while Japanese stock markets have experienced volatility amid fears of energy supply shortages.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump issued a 48‑hour ultimatum demanding that Iran fully restore freedom of navigation in the strait or face strikes on its power plants. The Iranian army responded by stating it would target all US energy infrastructure in the region if Iran’s fuel infrastructure was attacked.
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AloJapan.com