Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday that guaranteeing free and safe navigation without additional costs like transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz is critical, according to reports from Jiji Press and Kyodo News. The 20-minute phone call marked the fourth conversation between the two leaders since U.S. and Israeli strikes began in late February, addressing regional energy security and stalled nuclear negotiations.
Strait of Hormuz Transit Fees and Diplomatic Talks
During their recent phone discussion, Prime Minister Takaichi urged President Pezeshkian to engage in careful discussions with the international community, including nations that rely on the vital crude oil transport waterway. According to Kyodo News, Takaichi stressed that restoring free navigation without extra charges is necessary as the trade artery remains effectively closed amid stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations. Resource-poor Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for its crude oil supply.
In response, Pezeshkian explained Iran’s position, detailing the status and prospects of ongoing discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Kyodo News. Takaichi previously spoke with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Monday. Furthermore, Takaichi reiterated her hope that a final agreement between Iran and the United States, particularly concerning Tehran’s nuclear program, will be reached at an early date.
Bab el-Mandeb Strait Security Concerns
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, Takaichi raised deep concerns regarding maritime safety near the Red Sea. According to Jiji Press, the Japanese leader called on Tehran to urge the Houthi pro-Iran militant group in Yemen to exercise self-restraint. Yemeni authorities reported that the Houthis, who declared a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabian vessels in July, carried out a deadly attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as an alternative route for crude oil transport.
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Japan has traditionally maintained amicable ties with Iran despite being a close ally of the United States, allowing Tokyo to serve as an active diplomatic channel during periods of heightened Middle East tension, according to Kyodo News.
Takaichi noted her deep concern from an energy security perspective, while Pezeshkian countered that Iran is actively working to resolve the issue while engaging in dialogue with Saudi Arabia, as cited by Jiji Press and Kyodo News.
Status of Detained Japanese Journalist
Amid broader geopolitical talks, Takaichi renewed requests for a swift resolution regarding the treatment of a detained Japanese national. According to Jiji Press, the individual—believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK—was released on bail in April following detention by Iranian authorities. Prime Minister Takaichi pressed for a final, early resolution to the case during the leaders’ fourth bilateral phone call since late February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Prime Minister Takaichi call Iranian President Pezeshkian?
The two leaders discussed ensuring free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees, regional energy security regarding Houthi attacks in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and the case of a detained Japanese journalist, according to Jiji Press and Kyodo News.
What is Japan’s main concern regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
Resource-poor Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern crude oil and views the effective closure of the waterway and potential transit fees as a direct threat to its national energy security, as reported by Kyodo News.
Who is the detained Japanese national mentioned in the talks?
The individual is believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, who was released on bail in April after being detained by Iranian authorities, according to Jiji Press.
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