Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a phone conversation focused on regional de-escalation through diplomacy, the safety of international shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and broader economic and technical cooperation between Tehran and Tokyo.
During the call on Monday, President Pezeshkian thanked Japan for its pharmaceutical and humanitarian assistance to Iran and reaffirmed Tehran’s preference for dialogue to address disputes and tensions in the region. He described diplomacy as the most effective mechanism for resolving outstanding issues.
The Iranian president said some parties, including the United States, had undermined diplomatic processes by failing to uphold commitments, and he also pointed to destabilizing actions by the Israeli regime that have complicated regional and international efforts to reduce tensions.
Addressing recent regional developments, President Pezeshkian voiced concern over repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and the continued displacement of Lebanese civilians. He also criticized US political and military support for the Israeli regime’s actions, urging the international community to play a more effective role in halting what he described as an alarming trend.
A central part of the conversation focused on freedom of navigation and maritime security. The Iranian president said the Islamic Republic is fully prepared to facilitate maritime transit and help ensure the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a strategic passageway for global trade and energy flows. He argued, however, that the primary challenges stem from restrictions and obstacles imposed by the United States on Iranian shipping and commerce.
President Pezeshkian added that Tehran would follow up seriously on the issue of vessels linked to Japan and would seek to ensure Japanese ships can pass through the strait more smoothly and without disruption. He said Iran would do whatever it can to normalize maritime traffic and maintain stability and security in the area.
He also expressed hope that, if conditions return to normal, opportunities would expand for Japan’s technical and engineering capabilities to contribute to projects in Iran, including the rebuilding and development of refineries, ports, and other damaged economic infrastructure.
President Pezeshkian also called on Tokyo to help facilitate access to Iranian funds and assets held in Japan for the purchase of essential goods, medical equipment and medicines.
Prime Minister Takaichi, for her part, reaffirmed Japan’s support for diplomatic solutions and voiced hope that bilateral relations would deepen across multiple fields. She noted her consultations with US officials and emphasized the need to keep dialogue and diplomacy on track to reduce tensions and resolve differences.
Takaichi also thanked Iran for cooperation in safeguarding maritime routes, welcomed the successful transit of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, and expressed hope that conditions will allow all ships to pass through the strategic corridor with greater speed, security, and ease.