Japanese PM urges Iran to secure safe passage for ships through Strait of Hormuz

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held phone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday after a two-week ceasefire deal was reached between Iran and the United States, urging Iran to swiftly secure safe passage for ships of all nations through the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi told reporters after the 25-minute call that she also conveyed to the Iranian leader the importance of an early de-escalation in the Middle East conflict and that the two sides agreed to keep in communication.

While hailing the ceasefire agreement as a "positive move," Takaichi said Japan hopes a "final agreement" can be reached through diplomatic efforts as soon as possible.

Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The effective closure of the strait following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict has triggered oil supply disruptions and price surges in the country.

The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump. The two sides are expected to hold negotiations in Pakistan on Friday.