Japan urges Iran to ensure safety in Strait of Hormuz during ministerial call

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a telephone conversation on Tuesday, March 17, with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, as per Japanese media.

During the call, he urged Iran to halt any actions that could endanger safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

The call marked the second exchange between the two ministers since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in late February. It also took place just days ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s planned visit to Washington for summit talks with US President Donald Trump.

During the discussion, Motegi expressed concern that several vessels linked to Japan have remained within the Persian Gulf as the conflict has spread across neighbouring countries. He called on Tehran to take appropriate measures to guarantee the safety of all ships transiting the critical maritime route, which serves as a key corridor for global oil and gas shipments.

Since the outbreak of the war, Iran has largely obstructed traffic through the narrow strait, significantly disrupting global energy markets. Japan depends on the Middle East for more than 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, the majority of which pass through the chokepoint at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.

According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Araghchi outlined Iran’s position during the call. Motegi, in turn, urged a halt to attacks on civilian facilities and infrastructure across the Middle East and requested the release of two Japanese nationals currently detained in Iran.

Both sides agreed to maintain ongoing communication in an effort to help stabilise the situation.

The two ministers had previously held talks on March 9.

By Tamilla Hasanova