ISTANBUL

Japan on Tuesday called for dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, which was triggered by joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Addressing a news conference in Tokyo, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged swift Middle East de-escalation, emphasizing dialogue between the US and Iran as well as the security of the Strait of Hormuz.

Motegi stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

“The most important thing right now is to bring the situation to a swift end,” he said.

“Multiple countries are trying to mediate the situation... between the US and Iran... So, we hope this will move in a good direction,” he added.

Pakistan is currently engaged in relaying messages between the US and Iran to end the conflict.

The safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “is extremely important in terms of energy security... all diplomatic efforts should be made for that purpose by the international community," said Motegi.

The US-Israeli attacks on Iran since Feb. 28 have killed over 1,340 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

At least 13 US servicemen have been killed and dozens of others wounded during the conflict.

Tehran has also maintained effective control of the Strait of Hormuz since early March, restricting the flow of energy products-carrying vessels.

Japan procures some 90% of its energy supplies from the Gulf and is one of the first countries to release oil from its strategic reserves following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

It spent around $139 billion on the purchase of energy supplies from the Middle East in 2024.