News Desk
TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran is prepared to allow Japanese ships and Japan-affiliated vessels passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran seeks to ease the ongoing blockade of the strategic waterway. Speaking to Japan’s Kyodo News, Araghchi confirmed that discussions with Japanese officials have already commenced, with the aim of temporarily easing restrictions currently in place in the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of global oil supplies pass, has been a central flashpoint in the conflict that began on February 28. Iran has intensified attacks on commercial shipping and energy infrastructure in recent weeks, including missile strikes that severely damaged Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility and drove global energy prices sharply higher. The blockade has disrupted maritime trade and contributed to a significant decline in Middle East oil production, which has fallen from 21 million barrels per day to approximately 14 million barrels.
In response to Araghchi’s statement, a Japanese government official told Kyodo News that direct negotiations with Iran represent the most effective way to end the siege of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the official cautioned that even if temporary passage permission is granted for Japanese vessels, it would do little to resolve the broader global energy crisis. Another official from Japan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that careful assessment of the true objectives behind Araghchi’s statement is necessary.
The offer to Japan comes as the United States and its allies intensify efforts to secure the waterway. Earlier this week, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada issued a joint statement expressing readiness to contribute to safe navigation through the strait, though Japan’s participation in any military-led initiative remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Iran has repeatedly warned that any country providing military bases or support to US operations in the region will be considered a party to the war.
