Japan raises Strait of Hormuz shipping safety with US in call on Middle East tensions

ISTANBUL

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi raised concerns about the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.

The two held a 20-minute conversation focused on developments in the Middle East, including the situation surrounding Iran, according to a ministry statement.

Motegi conveyed Tokyo’s condemnation of what he described as Iran’s attacks on civilian facilities, including energy-related sites in Gulf countries, as well as activities threatening navigation in the strategic waterway.

The safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of "critical importance to the international community, including Japan, particularly from the perspective of energy security," Motegi said.

He added that Japan will continue diplomatic efforts in coordination with the international community, including the United States.

Rubio explained Washington’s position and ongoing efforts regarding the situation, the statement said.

Both sides affirmed they would maintain close communication in responding to developments involving Iran.

Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most crucial international oil shipping routes, since early March after Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran, which killed around 1,300 people, so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

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