Japanese Foreign Minister Holds Phone Talk with Iranian Foreign Minister
From 6:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. on May 22, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This marked their sixth such call since the military actions initiated by the U.S. and Israel. On the same day, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry stated that the crude oil tanker "Mitsui Maru," operated by a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan, is expected to arrive in Japan on the 25th—making it the first crude oil tanker to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and reach Japan following the deterioration of the Middle East situation.
Minister Motegi noted that maintaining close communication with Foreign Minister Araghchi during this critical phase concerning Iran is highly beneficial. He emphasized Japan’s consistent stance: the most important priority is achieving a ceasefire and swiftly easing tensions across the region—including at the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Japan strongly hopes Iran continues to demonstrate maximum flexibility and resumes negotiations with the United States as soon as possible.
Additionally, Minister Motegi stressed Japan’s strong commitment to ensuring all nations’ vessels, including Japanese ones, can freely and safely transit the Strait of Hormuz. Following previous successful passages by Japanese-affiliated ships, he reiterated his call urging Iran to facilitate the prompt passage of all other vessels.
In response, Foreign Minister Araghchi provided an update on the current state of communication between the U.S. and Iran, along with Iran’s position. Both foreign ministers confirmed they will continue maintaining close contact to help de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, Minister Motegi reiterated his request for prompt resolution of the ongoing issue faced by a Japanese national who was detained in Iran and released on bail in April.
On May 14, the Japanese government announced that a large Japanese oil tanker had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz that day. This marks the second Japanese vessel to do so since the outbreak of conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, following the "Mitsui Maru" from Idemitsu Kosan on May 29 last month, which carried four Japanese crew members.
On the same day, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed on her X (formerly Twitter) account: "In addition to my direct communication with President Masoud Pezeshkian, we have coordinated extensively through the Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and local embassies."
Meanwhile, an oil tanker carrying crude oil from the United Arab Emirates arrived at ENEOS Kikai Base in Kagoshima Prefecture on the morning of May 22. This is the first such replenishment under the "Oil Producing Nations' Joint Reserve" initiative after the worsening situation in the Middle East.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865973188231243/
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