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Japan Seeks Calls With Iran and U.S. Leaders Ahead of Trump’s Hormuz Ultimatum

Tokyo is trying to protect vital oil shipments that pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she is arranging a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and is also seeking a call with President Donald Trump before the April 7 deadline tied to threats to strike Iranian infrastructure.
  • Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who spoke Monday with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi, urged safe navigation for all vessels and pressed for early de-escalation of the cross-border attacks.
  • Motegi also called Pakistan’s foreign minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, to coordinate on mediation efforts and keep close communication on securing passage in the strait.
  • Tokyo said Iran freed a Japanese national held since January, and Kyodo reported the person was released on bail but cannot leave the country.
  • To cushion supply risks, Takaichi said Japan holds about eight months of oil reserves and at least four months of naphtha, while two Japan-linked tankers crossed the strait last week in limited signs of movement.