Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by telephone and asked for the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships of all nations, including Japan-linked ones stranded in the Persian Gulf.
Takaichi made the request in a teleconference with Pezeshkian on Thursday that lasted for about 20 minutes.
Takaichi referred to the recent passage of a Japan-related vessel through the strait with three Japanese crewmembers on board. She said that she views it as a positive development, also in terms of protection of Japanese nationals. Takaichi expressed her strong expectation that the United States and Iran would resume talks at an early date and reach a final agreement.
Pezeshkian reportedly explained Iran’s stance and agreed with the Japanese prime minister to keep close contact with each other.
Speaking to reporters after the call, Takaichi said that she and Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu have played a key role in coordinating the passage of the Japan-linked ship through Hormuz. She said that her government will continue all-out diplomatic efforts and coordination in a proactive manner so that all ships can pass through the strait as quickly as possible.
Five Japanese crew members stranded in Persian Gulf return to Japan
Japan’s Foreign Ministry says five Japanese crew members who were stranded in the Persian Gulf have returned to Japan.
The ministry said the five crew members disembarked on Wednesday night, Japan time, and arrived in the country by Thursday night with support from the Japanese government. It said they have no health issues.
A total of 14 Japanese crew members of Japan-related vessels have now come back home with the government’s help. Seven are still in the Persian Gulf.
The government says it will continue to monitor the situation and do its utmost to protect the remaining Japanese crew members.