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Iran Offers Safe Passage to Japanese Ships in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is ready to facilitate the safe passage of Japanese vessels through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, clarifying that the waterway remains open. He revealed that discussions are ongoing with his Japanese counterpart, though details remain confidential. The remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump called for countries like Japan and China, which are heavily dependent on the route for energy, to become more involved. The strait remains a critical flashpoint as the conflict enters its third week, impacting global energy supplies and diplomacy.

Key Points: Iran Ready to Help Japanese Vessels in Strait of Hormuz

  • Iran offers safe passage to Japanese vessels
  • Strait of Hormuz remains open but with restrictions
  • Negotiations ongoing with Japan
  • US calls for dependent nations to get involved
3 min read

Iran expresses readiness to help Japanese vessels pass Strait of Hormuz

Iran's FM says Strait of Hormuz is open, offers safe passage to Japanese ships amid conflict, as US calls for more regional involvement.

"We have not closed the strait. It is open. - Abbas Araghchi"

Tehran, March 21

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News on Friday that Tehran is ready to facilitate the passage of Japanese vessels via the Strait of Hormuz and that negotiations with Japan are underway.

He made the remarks in a telephonic interview to Kyodo News.

On the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Foreign Minister said, "We have not closed the strait. It is open". Araghchi told Kyodo News that while Iran has not closed the strategic waterway, it has, however imposed restrictions on vessels belonging to countries involved in attacks against Iran, while offering assistance to others amid heightened security concerns.

As per Kyodo News, Aragchi added that Iran is prepared to ensure safe passage for countries such as Japan if they coordinate with Tehran.

On the issue of navigation through the strait by Japanese vessels, Aragchi said that while discussions are continuing with his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, further details could not be disclosed.

According to Kyodo news, Iran has rejected calls for a temporary truce, and insisted that any resolution must include guarantees against future attacks as well as compensation for the damage inflicted during the conflict.

He further underlined that Iran is seeking "not a cease-fire, but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war."

Arargchi called it a war which was "imposed on Iran" and added that Tehran was in talks with Washington when the attacks happened.

"This was an illegal, unprovoked act of aggression," he said, adding that Iran's response constitutes self-defense and will continue "for as long as it takes."

He urged the international community to take a stand against the attacks, and added that several countries are attempting to mediate an end to the conflict. He noted that it is "open to any initiative" and willing to consider proposals.

The remarks by Araghchi come as Trump on Friday (local time) said that the United States does not "need" the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the US and Israel are aligned in seeking "victory" in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. President Trump said that countries like Korea, Japan, China, and others should get "involved a little bit on that one", because they need access to the maritime route even more.

Commenting on the Strait of Hormuz, the US President called for greater involvement from countries dependent on the route. "China uses it, 90 percent of their energy. Japan is 95 percent... It would be nice if those countries would get involved," he said.

As the conflict with Iran enters its 21st day, the strategic waterway remains a geopolitical flashpoint that continues to pressure global energy supplies and diplomatic relations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Indian, I'm watching this very closely. A huge portion of our oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption there sends fuel prices soaring here. 🇮🇳 Iran's offer to Japan is pragmatic, but the situation remains volatile. Hope our diplomats are engaged in backchannel talks to ensure our energy security isn't compromised.
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Arjun K
The US saying they don't "need" the strait is typical. It's easy to say when you're energy independent. For Asia, it's our economic lifeline. Iran is playing a clever diplomatic game by offering safe passage to Japan. This conflict is a reminder of why India needs to diversify its energy sources and routes urgently.
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Sarah B
While I understand Iran's position of self-defense, imposing restrictions based on which country a vessel belongs to sets a dangerous precedent for international waterways. The principle of freedom of navigation must be upheld. The international community needs to find a peaceful resolution, not further fragment global trade routes.
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Vikram M
Trump wants Japan and China to "get involved". Involved in what? Another conflict? Asia has enough of its own issues. This is a problem between the US and Iran. They should solve it through dialogue without dragging other nations into it. The whole world suffers when major powers clash like this. 🙏
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Kavya N
The Foreign Minister's statement is quite measured. He's keeping the door open for negotiation ("open to any initiative") while firmly stating Iran's conditions. It's a high-stakes game. For the sake of stability in our region and to prevent oil prices from going through the roof, I hope cooler heads prevail and a

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