Iran Allows Japanese Vessels to Transit Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Says

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Japanese vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains open except for countries that have conducted military actions against Iran.

Araghchi told Kyodo News Agency: "From our perspective, the strait is open; however, it is closed to vessels belonging to countries that have taken military action against us. Other countries can pass through." He added that Iran is prepared to facilitate safe passage for countries such as Japan through coordination with Tehran.

The restrictions followed attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. In the early days of the conflict, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that any passing vessel could be targeted. Tehran has since softened its stance, limiting denials to vessels from hostile countries.

Ships from countries including China and India have transited the strait in coordination with Iran, and Japan is expected to follow. Some vessels are using routes close to Iran's coastline as a safe corridor, while authorities develop a system for ship inspection and registration.

Several countries -- Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom -- have called for safe passage and are in discussions with Iran.

Japan imports more than 90 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East and relies heavily on the strait. The waterway, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, carries about 20 percent of global crude oil supplies.