Takaichi urges Iran to restore free passage through Hormuz

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday called on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to demonstrate flexibility in Tehran's negotiations with the United States and to swiftly restore free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels of all nations, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry.mainichi+1

A Critical Phase in US-Iran Talks

The phone call — the third between the two leaders — came as negotiations between the United States and Iran enter what Takaichi described as "an extremely critical phase." She told Pezeshkian she was pleased the two could communicate again at this juncture and reiterated Japan's position that de-escalation must be achieved through dialogue, expressing hope that a final agreement would be reached as soon as possible.arabnews

Takaichi also urged the swift restoration of free and safe passage for vessels of all countries through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments and which Iran has largely blocked since late February 2026.mofa+4

Japan's Energy Vulnerability

Japan sources more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports from the Middle East, making it acutely vulnerable to disruptions in the strait. Tokyo has pursued a diplomatic track with Tehran distinct from its Western allies, securing limited passage rights for Japanese-linked tankers. In March, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News that vessels from Japan would be permitted to transit the strait, characterizing the blockade as targeting only Iran's adversaries. By mid-May, at least two Japan-linked oil tankers had successfully navigated the waterway, according to Reuters ↘ 4.64%, citing LSEG shipping data.reuters+2

Background and Outlook

The call followed an earlier conversation between the leaders in April, when Takaichi urged Iran to secure Hormuz shipping after Washington and Tehran reached a two-week ceasefire. That temporary agreement was supposed to pause the blockade, but full reopening has not materialized.bloomberg+1

In response to Monday's call, Pezeshkian explained Iran's views on the status of the US-Iran exchange and its outlook, and the two leaders agreed to continue close communication as they work toward an early resolution. Japan's push for broader reopening reflects both its energy dependence and its positioning as a diplomatic intermediary between Tehran and Washington.arabnews