Japan Seeks Early U.S.-Iran Deal to End Conflict

Tokyo, April 16 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said his country strongly hopes that the United States and Iran will reach a final agreement at an early date to end their ongoing military conflict in the Middle East. Motegi conveyed the message in his 30-minute phone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday. The two ministers also agreed to maintain close communication. Furthermore, Motegi said it is most important that the two-week ceasefire agreed by Washington and Tehran last week be upheld and that the situation in the Middle East be steadily de-escalated, including ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The top Japanese diplomat called for the safety of all vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked, including ships linked to Japan. Araghchi briefed Motegi on Iran’s views on the result of the U.S.-Iran talks and the future outlook. On the same day, Motegi also had phone talks with his Bahraini counterpart, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Motegi stressed that it is crucial for the international community to speak out in unity to achieve safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for close cooperation on the matter. The Bahraini foreign minister expressed hopes to work together with Japan to ease tensions in the Middle East at an early date and help stabilize the region. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]