ISTANBUL
Iran is prepared to facilitate the safe passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if Tokyo coordinates with Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News, saying the waterway remained open to neutral countries.
Araghchi said Iran had imposed restrictions only on ships belonging to countries involved in attacks against Tehran, while offering assistance to others.
He said the issue had come up in his recent discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, though he declined to share details.
The Iranian minister called on Japan to take a public stance against the attacks on Iran, expressing appreciation for Tokyo's traditionally balanced approach and its longstanding ties with Tehran.
On broader diplomatic efforts, Araghchi said Iran was "open to any initiative" and willing to consider mediation proposals from countries attempting to broker a resolution.
Regional tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks across the region and has effectively closed to most ships the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route that normally handles about 20 million barrels per day and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.
Japan was one of the countries that signaled its readiness to support efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.