Iran offers safe passage for Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route, as Tokyo navigates its legal constraints amid the US-led coalition’s call for military support.

TOKYO: Iran is prepared to allow Japanese-related vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This offer was reported by Kyodo news, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Araqchi stated that Tehran has initiated discussions with Tokyo regarding the potential opening of the strait. He made these remarks in a phone interview with the Japanese news agency.

Japan’s foreign and trade ministries, along with the Prime Minister’s Office, were unavailable for comment on the report. Reuters attempted to reach them on Saturday.

Approximately 90% of Japan’s oil shipments travel via this strategic waterway. Iran has largely closed the strait during the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.

The war, now in its fourth week, has caused a spike in global oil prices. This has led Japan and other nations to release oil from their strategic reserves.

US President Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Washington on Thursday. He urged her to “step up” as he presses allies to send warships to help secure the strait.

Takaichi briefed Trump on the support Japan could legally provide in the strait. She made these comments to reporters following the summit.

Japan’s actions are constrained by its postwar pacifist constitution. However, 2015 security legislation permits the use of force overseas under specific, extreme circumstances.

 The Sun Malaysia