March 18, 2026 | 01:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi called for an end to actions threatening safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
It was the second conversation between Motegi and Araghchi since the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February. Motegi and Araghchi had previously spoken on March 9.
The conversation took place ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's planned visit to Washington to meet with US President Donald Trump.
Motegi expressed concern over the detention of several Japanese-linked vessels in the Persian Gulf amid the regional conflict. He urged Tehran to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of shipping in this vital energy waterway.
Since the conflict escalated, Iran has reportedly blocked most of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy markets.
Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports.
According to the ministry, Araghchi explained Iran's position. Meanwhile, Motegi also urged an end to attacks on civilian facilities and requested the release of two Japanese citizens detained in Iran.
The two agreed to continue communicating to help de-escalate the situation.
Read: Trump: US Not Ready to End Iran Conflict
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