Iran Offers to Escort Japanese Ships Through Strait of Hormuz – Japan Responds

Tokyo is not seeking assurances from Iran to allow Japanese tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated Monday, even as Tehran has offered to provide security for Japanese vessels traversing the vital waterway.

Japan relies heavily on crude oil imports from the Middle East, the majority of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint in the Persian Gulf. Recent tensions in the region have prompted concerns about potential disruptions to shipping lanes, leading countries dependent on the route to explore alternative sources and bolster strategic reserves.

When questioned Sunday about whether the government would urge Iran to permit Japanese ships to transit Hormuz, Motegi told Fuji Television, “At this point, we are not thinking about that.” His comments followed an offer from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who told Kyodo News on Friday that Tehran was prepared to ensure safe passage for Japanese shipping. “They just need to contact us so that One can discuss how this transit can be done,” Araghchi added.

Motegi confirmed he spoke with Araghchi on March 17, but told Fuji Television that his Iranian counterpart did not offer assistance for Japanese vessels. “The safety of navigation is key. That’s what we talked about,” Motegi said.

Araghchi, in his interview with Kyodo News, denied that the Strait was closed, asserting, “From our perspective, the Strait is open.” He clarified, “It is only closed to the ships belonging to our enemies—countries that attack us. For other countries, their ships can pass through the Strait,” according to a transcript of the Farsi-language interview posted on his Telegram channel.

Tokyo announced last week it would commence releasing oil from its strategic reserves, which are among the largest in the world. The move comes amid broader concerns about global oil supply and price volatility.