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Japan Will Not Seek Iran's Permission for Ships to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz

Published March 23, 2026, 09:13
Japan Will Not Seek Iran's Permission for Ships to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz

Japan is not considering requesting permission from Iran for Japanese tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, despite Tehran's offer to guarantee safe passage. Japan relies on Middle Eastern oil that passes through the strait, which has been contested due to regional tensions. The Japanese Foreign Minister stated that there is currently no thought of such a request, while the Iranian Foreign Minister assured that the strait is open to ships not belonging to hostile countries. Japan has begun releasing its strategic oil reserves.