Overview
- The French and Japanese leaders, who met Wednesday in Tokyo, called for a ceasefire, calm, and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Ministers from both countries signed a defense cooperation roadmap and a joint rare earths project to secure supplies for key technologies.
- The two sides said they will deepen work on nuclear power, including a fast reactor and fuel recycling, and expand cooperation in space.
- Macron promoted a diplomatic approach and praised Europe’s predictability after President Trump said countries that use Hormuz should keep it open.
- Japan buys about 95% of its oil from the Middle East and has drawn on reserves as Iran’s effective closure of Hormuz has disrupted about a fifth of global crude and gas flows, pushing up costs for families and businesses.