The government said on the 21st that after Iran said it wanted to start talks on the passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, it has been in communication with the countries concerned.
According to Yonhap News Agency, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "While closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, the government is seeking ways to protect our nationals and ensure the safety of energy transport routes," and added, "We have been communicating in various ways with the countries concerned, including Iran."
Japan's Kyodo News said that in a telephone interview on the 20th, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said of the Strait of Hormuz, "We are willing to allow the passage of Japan-related vessels after consultations with Japan," adding, "We have not closed the strait; we are blocking only the vessels of enemies that are attacking Iran." He continued, "Vessels of countries that are not enemies can pass, and we are willing to guarantee navigation safety after consulting with the countries concerned."
The Strait of Hormuz carries more than 20% of the world's seaborne oil trade, and all lanes navigable by oil tankers lie within Iranian territorial waters. Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz after airstrikes by the United States and Israel.