Takaichi Opposes Hormuz Fees in Phone Talks with Iran President

Tokyo, Aug. 12 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday that it is important to ensure free and safe navigation without additional costs, such as transit fees, in the Strait of Hormuz. In their 20-minute phone meeting, Takaichi urged the Iranian leader to engage in careful discussions with the international community, including countries that use the key crude oil transport waterway. This was the two leaders’ fourth phone talks since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February. The Houthi pro-Iran militant group in Yemen is reported to be attacking cargo ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another key maritime chokepoint, near the Red Sea. The Japanese leader called on Tehran to urge the Houthis to exercise self-restraint, saying, “We’re deeply concerned about the current situation in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from the perspective of energy security.” According to Takaichi, Pezeshkian explained that Iran is working to solve the issue while holding dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Takaichi reiterated that it is important to ease military tensions over Iran and stabilize the situation as early 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,” Takaichi said. She also asked Pezeshkian for a swift resolution over the treatment of a Japanese national, believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of public broadcaster Japan Broadcasting Corp., or NHK, who was released on bail in April following detention by Iranian authorities. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]