Japan urges Iran to reopen Hormuz Strait amid nuclear talks

Tuesday 02 June 2026 - 07:01

By: Dakir Madiha

Japan urges Iran to reopen Hormuz Strait amid nuclear talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to restore unrestricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and show flexibility in ongoing negotiations with the United States. The conversation, the third between the two leaders, took place as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington entered what Takaichi described as a critical stage.

During the call, Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s position that tensions should be reduced through dialogue and diplomacy. She expressed hope that negotiations between Iran and the United States would lead to a comprehensive agreement in the near future. The Japanese leader also emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication channels at a moment of heightened regional uncertainty.

A central focus of the discussion was the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors. Roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through the waterway. Iran has largely restricted passage through the strait since late February 2026, raising concerns among energy-importing nations and increasing pressure on international shipping routes.

Japan faces particular risks from any disruption in Hormuz because more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports originate from the Middle East. Tokyo has pursued a diplomatic approach toward Tehran that differs from many Western partners, allowing it to secure limited passage rights for vessels linked to Japanese interests. Iranian officials previously stated that Japanese ships would be permitted to transit the strait because the restrictions were aimed at countries viewed as adversaries by Tehran.

Evidence of this arrangement emerged in May when at least two Japan-linked oil tankers successfully crossed the strait. The development provided some relief for Japanese energy security, although broader restrictions remained in place and continued to affect international shipping activity.

The latest exchange followed an earlier conversation in April, when Takaichi called on Iran to guarantee safe navigation after Washington and Tehran agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire. That understanding was expected to ease maritime restrictions, but a full reopening of the waterway did not materialize.

According to Japanese officials, Pezeshkian outlined Iran’s assessment of the current state of discussions with the United States and shared Tehran’s expectations for future negotiations. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as diplomatic efforts continue. Japan’s push for a wider reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reflects both its dependence on Middle Eastern energy supplies and its role as a potential intermediary between Iran and the United States.