Tehran, March 21 — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News by telephone that Iran is willing to facilitate the transit of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and that talks with Tokyo are ongoing. Araghchi said the waterway remains open but Tehran has imposed restrictions on ships from countries it says have carried out attacks against Iran. He added that Iran can guarantee safe passage for nations such as Japan if they coordinate with Iranian authorities.
Araghchi confirmed discussions are continuing with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi but declined to provide further specifics. He also rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire, saying any settlement must include assurances against future attacks and compensation for damage sustained. Araghchi described the initial strikes as illegal and unprovoked and characterized Iran’s actions as self‑defense that will continue “for as long as it takes.”
The foreign minister urged the international community to condemn the attacks and said Iran is open to mediation and ready to consider proposals to resolve the crisis.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States does not “need” the Strait of Hormuz and called on countries that rely on the route — including South Korea, Japan and China — to take a larger role. He stressed the strait’s importance for global energy supplies and encouraged those states to become more involved.
Now in its 21st day, the conflict has turned the Strait of Hormuz into a major geopolitical flashpoint with implications for energy markets and diplomatic relations. This report is based on a syndicated feed from ANI.
