Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said diplomatic efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran must be accelerated. During a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Motegi asked Tehran to show maximum flexibility.
Motegi said indirect talks between Washington and Tehran had continued since last week. The United States and Iran held indirect talks in New York last week under Qatar’s mediation, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Japan calls for joint efforts toward a diplomatic solution
The Japanese minister said Japan was continuing its efforts to reduce tensions at an early stage, stabilize the situation and reach a diplomatic solution. Motegi said they aimed to give diplomacy momentum together with the relevant countries.
Motegi also asked Iran to continue approaching the indirect talks with maximum flexibility and to respond constructively to the process. Araghchi, meanwhile, provided information about the current state of the talks and Iran’s position.
Emphasis on safe navigation in Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb
Referring to the maritime cooperation meeting hosted by Japan at the United Nations last week, Motegi stressed the importance of restoring free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Motegi said the future of the Strait of Hormuz should be addressed with the participation of the entire international community. The Japanese minister asked Iran to respond constructively on the issue.
Steps to end the war
Following the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, Tehran carried out missile and drone attacks across the region. While the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed, the Pentagon also imposed a military blockade on Iranian ports.
Efforts to end the war continued after the Islamabad memorandum signed on June 18. The memorandum aims to pave the way for a final peace agreement covering navigation on the strategic waterway and Iran’s nuclear program.
