Takaichi opposes Hormuz fees in phone talks with Iran’s president

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the phone on Wednesday, emphasizing the significance of unrestricted and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz without any extra charges like transit fees. During their 20-minute conversation, Takaichi appealed to Pezeshkian to engage in constructive talks with the global community, including nations that rely on this crucial oil transport route.

This marked the fourth phone dialogue between the two leaders following the United States and Israel's assaults on Iran at the end of February. The Japanese premier also urged Tehran to encourage the Houthi rebel group in Yemen to show restraint, stating, "We're deeply concerned about the current situation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from the perspective of energy security."

According to Takaichi, Pezeshkian stated that Iran is striving to resolve the issue while maintaining dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Takaichi emphasized the necessity of de-escalating military tensions over Iran and stabilizing the situation as soon as possible. "We strongly hope that a final agreement will be reached (between Iran and the United States), including on Tehran’s nuclear issue, at an early time," she said.

She also requested Pezeshkian to expedite the release of a Japanese national, presumed to be the Tehran bureau chief of Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK), who was granted bail in April after being detained by Iranian authorities.