Japan's Ministry of Finance: Oil Imports from the Middle East in April Decreased by 67.2%
¬ Media: Trump’s Call with Israeli PM Netanyahu Marked Extremely Tense Atmosphere
¬ Source: Europe Seeks Compromise Negotiation Proposal on Ukraine Issue
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According to foreign trade statistics released by Japan's Ministry of Finance, oil imports from the Middle East in April decreased by 67.2% compared to the same period in 2025.
Data from Japan's Ministry of Finance shows that total oil imports from the Middle East in April amounted to 3.84 million kiloliters, a drop of 67.2% year-on-year.
As reported by Kyodo News, this marks the lowest level since the current statistical methodology was adopted in 1979.
Japan relies on Middle Eastern imports for 94% of its oil, with virtually all oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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According to Western media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump had an "extremely tense" phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"A source at the [Axios] website described the emotional tone of the call, saying: 'After the conversation, Netanyahu was so furious his hair stood on end.'"
Trump attempted to persuade the Israeli prime minister to support a new negotiation process with Tehran and refrain from further escalation. In response, Netanyahu insisted on continuing military operations and launching new strikes against Iran’s infrastructure.
According to sources, the Israeli prime minister believes Iran is currently weakened and thus insists on maintaining pressure and carrying out additional attacks.
Previously, Trump demanded that Iran confirm in writing its abandonment of nuclear weapons development. Meanwhile, the White House stated that the U.S. has the capability to reach certain agreements during negotiations aimed at ending the Middle East conflict with Iran.
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A European diplomatic source told Sputnik News that Europe hopes to find a compromise negotiation proposal acceptable to all parties to restart discussions on the Ukraine issue.
"We must find a way to restart dialogue. There are also European interests involved in resolving the Ukraine issue… A solution acceptable to all sides is needed," the source said.
Russian representatives have repeatedly pointed out that European countries have shown no interest in establishing dialogue with Russia on the Ukraine matter.
For example, Russian Ambassador to Germany Sergey Nechayev noted that French President Emmanuel Macron had repeatedly proposed phone calls, but "this remained stuck on the wish list."
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova previously stated that it was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (in spring 2022) who discouraged Kyiv from holding talks with Moscow.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865769719059472/
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