Japan elevates Iran talks to same level as US negotiations

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that issuing an order for maritime security to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz would be “legally difficult,” noting that negotiations with Iran are at least as important as with the United States.

She made remarks during a budget committee session of the upper house of parliament, emphasising the need to explore Japan’s options for restoring free and open navigation in the strait, according to Yuichiro Tamaki, a representative of the Democratic Party for the People in the House of Councillors.

高市早苗首相は参院予算委員会で、ホルムズ海峡での船舶護衛に関し、海上警備行動の発令は「法的には難しい」と述べた。現行法に照らせば当然のことだが、その上で、ホルムズ海峡の自由で開かれた航行を回復するために日本として何が出来るかを考える必要がある。まずはイランに対して日本関連連泊の通…

— 玉木雄一郎（国民民主党） (@tamakiyuichiro) March 16, 2026

“First and foremost, diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to allow passage of ships anchored in Japan must be a priority. Talks with the United States are important, but negotiations with Iran are no less important. Japan, which maintains friendly relations with Iran, must be able to do this,” Tamaki wrote on X.

By Jeyhun Aghazada