Japan PM calls for free, safe passage of Hormuz in phone talks with Oman

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged for the resumption of unrestricted and untoward passage through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone conversation with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said of Oman on Monday, as U.S.-Iran talks on the conflict remain unproductive. Oman is presently engaged in dialogue with Iran, reportedly regarding shipping routes traversing the crucial trade conduit.

Haitham expressed that Oman would deliberate with and acknowledge the perspectives of nations utilizing the waterway, informed reporters at her office in Tokyo. Both leaders concurred on the need for close coordination towards regional tranquility and stability, encompassing the Strait of Hormuz, stated the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

The blockade, initiated in late February, has caused supply apprehensions and escalated energy prices. Japan, which is lacking in resources, depends heavily on the Middle East for crude oil. Takaichi emphasized the urgency of restoring free and secure navigation of the Strait of Hormuz without further expenses, asserting that engaging in talks with the international community, including nations utilizing the strait, is imperative.

Sultan Haitham informed Takaichi about the current status of consultations with Iran and Oman's stance during the roughly 20-minute discussion. Since April, the initial phone talks between the leaders have taken place amidst ambiguity surrounding the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations. In response to the impasse, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced on Saturday six conditions for reopening the strait, among which is compensation for losses inflicted by the hostilities.