Japan seeks safe passage for ships through Hormuz during ceasefire

April 9 (Asia Today) -- Japan is moving to secure safe passage for dozens of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, using a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran to push diplomatic talks with Tehran.

The Japanese government has begun consultations with Iran and other parties to expedite the transit of 42 Japan-linked ships through the Strait of Hormuz, officials said Wednesday. The number has fallen from 45 as some vessels have already passed.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first phone call Tuesday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, opening a direct communication channel and urging safe navigation and reduced tensions in the region.

"We welcome the ceasefire, but ensuring safe navigation is critical," Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said, emphasizing Japan's diplomatic efforts.

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Although a two-week ceasefire has been declared, uncertainty remains over whether it will hold. Japan is closely monitoring the situation while accelerating negotiations to move its ships through the strategic waterway.

Iran previously signaled it may allow passage for vessels from countries it does not consider adversaries, including Japan, through prior consultations. Tokyo is seeking to leverage that position to secure early transit.

Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude oil imports, making access through the Strait of Hormuz a key national security concern. The strait handles a significant share of global oil shipments.

The government is also reviewing contingency plans, including alternative shipping routes and the use of strategic petroleum reserves, according to officials.

Analysts say Japan's pragmatic diplomacy could help stabilize energy supply chains but warn tensions may rise again once the ceasefire ends.

The developments come as South Korea also seeks to secure passage for its vessels in the region, though fewer ships have cleared the strait so far.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260409010002833