Iran, Japan exchange views on regional, international developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi, during which the two sides exchanged views on bilateral issues, regional and international developments, Nippon reports.

It said Motegi urged Tehran to ensure the safe passage of all vessels, including Japanese-related ships, through the Strait of Hormuz, and Araghchi briefed Motegi on the status of US–Iran negotiations.

The Japanese foreign minister expressed strong hope that the US and Iran would resume talks soon.

It was the sixth phone call between the two foreign ministers since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Motegi said continued communication between the foreign ministers was valuable, as the situation surrounding Iran enters what he described as a critical phase.

The two sides agreed to continue discussions in an effort to ease tensions as quickly as possible.

Motegi also called for the swift resolution of the case involving a Japanese citizen detained in Iran and released in April.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov