ISTANBUL

A Japanese shipping group has expressed hope that Tokyo will help dozens of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf.

The Japan Shipowners’ Association said 45 Japan-related vessels are stranded in the Persian Gulf after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz following strikes by Israel and the US, Kyodo News reported.

"The situation is expected to worsen over time, and that increases the chances of ship crew members getting involved in problems," Hitoshi Nagasawa, the head of the association, said at a news conference.

Nagasawa said the association has asked the Transport Ministry to gather information on steps that could help Japanese ships leave the Gulf.

He added that the ships' crews currently have enough food, water, and fuel and that they can be reached at any time via satellite communication.

"If there is a way to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, we strongly hope to get both the crew and cargo out of the gulf as soon as possible," Nagasawa said.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.