Japanese Prime Minister Coordinating Separate Summits with U.S. and Iran... "Preparations Underway for Appropriate Timing"

"Several Negotiations Already Held with Iran"

Coordinating Responses Including Telephone Consultations with the U.S.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that she is coordinating separate summits with the leaders of the United States and Iran.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Photo by Yonhap News

According to Kyodo News and other sources on April 6, Prime Minister Takaichi stated at the House of Councillors (upper house) Budget Committee on this day, "We have already held several negotiations with Iran," adding, "Preparations are underway to proceed at an appropriate time."

Regarding the isolation of vessels due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, she emphasized, "The important thing is to ensure the navigational safety of all vessels, including Japanese ships," adding, "As Prime Minister, I will take all possible actions in response."

With regard to a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, she said that arrangements are being made for a response, including telephone consultations. On this matter, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "I have instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to do whatever is possible."

Previously, on March 30, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to a question about her willingness to mediate between the United States and Iran at the House of Representatives (lower house) Budget Committee by saying, "I intend to make a comprehensive judgment based on the national interest as to when it would be appropriate to hold talks with the Iranian side."

Japan has maintained relatively amicable relations with Iran thus far. Notably, during the conflict between the United States and Iran in 2019, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Iran and met with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to mediate between the two countries.

Meanwhile, it was reported that on this day, a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessel operated by Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines passed through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Yomiuri Shimbun and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the vessel that passed through was the India-flagged 'Green Asha,' which is owned by an Indian affiliate and is heading to India after exiting the strait. This marks the third time a Japan-related vessel has transited the Strait of Hormuz, with two other ships passing through on the 3rd and 4th of April, respectively.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.