NHK: Persian Gulf lockdown strands 42 Japanese maritime vessels

The situation in the Persian Gulf will continue to negatively impact Japan’s and the global economy until the Iranian crisis is resolved on a long-term basis, Japanese government officials told NHK, pointing out that 42 Japanese vessels are still confined in the region.

Officials noted that following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, there is hope that commercial vessels could resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 42 Japanese ships remain trapped in the area. 

The Japanese government urged caution before drawing conclusions and emphasised that attention will now focus on Iran’s enriched uranium, a matter Tokyo hopes can be addressed through diplomacy.

By Jeyhun Aghazada