Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged the restoration of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a phone conversation with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve tensions surrounding shipping through the strategically important waterway.
Takaichi said that the situation surrounding Iran had reached a critical stage and stressed the need for an early de-escalation. She also called for the resumption of unrestricted navigation through the strait without additional costs, underscoring Japan’s concerns over the impact of the disruption on its energy supplies. “Furthermore, I stated that it is important for free and safe navigation without additional costs in the Strait of Hormuz to be restored as soon as possible and that it is necessary to have firm discussions with the international community, including countries using the strait,” Takaichi wrote on X.
The conversation comes as Oman and Iran continue negotiations over arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has been involved in efforts to facilitate dialogue as tensions surrounding Iran and the waterway persist.
Oman To Consult Other Nations
According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Sultan Haitham told Takaichi that Oman would consult countries using the Strait of Hormuz when considering the future of navigation through the waterway. He also pledged to respect the positions of those countries. Takaichi said that Japan would continue working closely with Oman on efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional developments and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across several areas of mutual interest. Takaichi expressed appreciation for Oman’s continuing efforts to support dialogue, de-escalation and international peace and security.
The discussions come against the backdrop of stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran. The impasse has added uncertainty to efforts to resolve the dispute surrounding the strait and restore predictable conditions for commercial shipping.
Iran Says Talks On Hormuz Are Progressing
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that discussions between Tehran and Muscat over maritime arrangements were progressing “smoothly and constructively.” Baghaei said that the two sides had reached an understanding on a map for maritime traffic, suggesting that some progress had been made in determining how vessels could navigate the waterway.
However, questions remain over the terms under which ships would be allowed to pass. Baghaei said that Iran was not currently discussing transit fees for ships with Oman. At the same time, he said that Tehran should receive compensation if it provides services such as monitoring vessels and ensuring safe passage through the strait. The comments indicate that while Iran and Oman are discussing practical arrangements for navigation, several issues surrounding the reopening of the waterway remain unresolved.
Japan has a particular interest in the outcome of the talks because of its heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Around 95 percent of Japan’s oil imports come from the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar among its main suppliers. A large proportion of those energy shipments depend on the Strait of Hormuz, making the waterway an important component of Japan’s energy security.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping could therefore expose Japan to higher energy costs and supply uncertainty. The potential consequences extend beyond oil, as disruptions to maritime transport can affect wider supply chains and the cost of transporting goods. For Tokyo, restoring safe and predictable navigation is therefore not simply a regional diplomatic concern but an economic and energy-security priority.
Takaichi’s call for passage without additional costs also reflects concerns that any new financial burden on vessels using the strait could further increase the cost of energy imports. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy supplies. Its security has therefore become a major concern for countries far beyond the Middle East.
The waterway has also become entangled in wider tensions involving Iran, the United States and other regional actors. With US-Iran negotiations at a stalemate, efforts by Oman to facilitate discussions have taken on added importance. Oman’s role is particularly significant because Muscat has maintained communication with Iran while also engaging with countries that rely on the strait for trade and energy supplies.
Japan’s latest diplomatic engagement with Oman reflects Tokyo’s effort to support a negotiated solution rather than allowing the dispute to further disrupt international shipping. For now, however, the timing of a full restoration of normal maritime traffic remains uncertain. Iran and Oman are continuing their discussions, while Japan and other countries that depend on the waterway are pressing for safe and uninterrupted passage.
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