Japanese PM urges Iranian president to curb Houthi escalation

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to use Tehran’s influence over the Houthis to prevent further escalation in the region.

Takaichi made the appeal during a telephone conversation with Pezeshkian, in which she also called on Iran to help swiftly de-escalate tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

The Japanese prime minister expressed concern over Houthi actions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including the declaration of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, as well as attacks on commercial vessels and oil infrastructure.

Takaichi urged Iran to persuade the Houthis to exercise restraint, while stressing the need to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without imposing additional fees.

She also called on Iran to closely coordinate with the international community and countries using the strategic waterway.

By Jeyhun Aghazada