Japan Says Not Considering Unilateral Talks With Iran on Hormuz

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the nation isn’t considering unilateral negotiations with Iran to secure passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following a report that Tehran is prepared to grant the access.Author of the article:You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.(Bloomberg) — Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the nation isn’t considering unilateral negotiations with Iran to secure passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following a report that Tehran is prepared to grant the access.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.“It’s not something we’re considering at this point,” Motegi said Sunday on a Fuji Television program. Instead, Japan is focused on ensuring “conditions where everyone can pass,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining broad freedom of navigation.About 45 Japan-linked vessels remain affected in the strait, a critical artery for global energy supplies, Motegi said, adding that the government will take responsibility for their safety.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.The comments come after Kyodo News reported Saturday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Tehran is ready to allow Japan-related ships to transit the waterway. Motegi said the issue of whether Japan would receive special treatment didn’t come up in a recent call.The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil flows, making safe and stable transit a priority for energy-importing nations. Japan purchases almost all of its oil and more than 90% of it comes from the Middle East.On energy sourcing, Motegi took a negative view of buying from Russia — which remains under sanctions — as he said that imports via Hormuz would be more acceptable to European countries.Motegi also said that one of the two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and is expected to return to Japan shortly.Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4© 2026 Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited.This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.You can manage saved articles in your account.and save up to 100 articles!You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.