Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for the resumption of free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in phone talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said on Monday, amid stalled U.S.-Iranian negotiations on the conflict.
Oman is engaged in talks with Iran, reportedly over shipping routes through the key trade artery. Haitham responded that Oman would consult with and respect the views of countries that use the waterway, Takaichi told reporters at her office in Tokyo.
The two agreed to coordinate closely toward regional peace and stability, including in the Strait of Hormuz, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.
The effective blockade since the conflict began in late February of the critical waterway for energy transport has fueled supply concerns and sent energy prices surging. Resource-poor Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for crude oil.
“I said that it is important for the free and safe navigation of the Strait of Hormuz to be restored as soon as possible without additional costs,” Takaichi said. “To this end, holding talks with the international community, including countries that use the strait, is necessary.”
During the roughly 20-minute phone conversation, Haitham provided Takaichi with an update on the current status of consultations with Iran and Oman’s position, according to the prime minister.
The first phone talks between the leaders since April came amid uncertainty over the ongoing U.S.-Iran talks.
Amid the impasse, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Saturday it has made six demands as conditions for reopening the strait, including compensation for damage caused by the fighting.
