A Glimmer of Hope for Japan and South Korea to Safely Pass Ships Through Hormuz
Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz as a consequence of its war with the United States (US) and Israel, leading to a global energy crisis. Iran has stated that it will open the Strait of Hormuz to countries that sever diplomatic ties with the US and Israel; however, based on the latest information, there is a glimmer of hope for Japan and South Korea (South Korea).
Both countries have not severed diplomatic ties with the US. So why are they receiving leniency from Iran?
“We have not closed the strait. In our view, the strait is open. The strait is only closed to ships belonging to our enemies, countries that attack us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Japan’s Kyodo News, as reported by AFP on Sunday (22/3/2026).
Araghchi explained that Iran is in discussions with Japan to ensure their ships can transit safely. He conveyed that Iran is prepared to provide a safe passage.
“We are talking with them to find a way for them to pass through the strait safely. We are ready to provide a safe route for them,” he said.
Araghchi’s statement to Kyodo followed a phone call with Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday, during which Tokyo expressed concern about the numerous Japanese ships currently stranded in the Gulf.
“What they need to do is just contact us to discuss how this route will proceed,” Araghchi added.
Japan imports more than 90 per cent of its crude oil from the Middle East and is heavily reliant on exports crossing the strait. However, the waterway has been de facto closed since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February.
Meanwhile, South Korea is holding intensive talks with various countries, including Iran, to ensure the rapid normalisation of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This statement comes after Tehran expressed readiness to allow Japanese ships to pass through the sea route closed due to the Middle East crisis.
“We are actively communicating with relevant countries, including Iran,” said an official from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Yonhap yesterday.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned at the start of the war that its forces would burn any ship attempting to cross the waterway, causing maritime traffic to nearly halt. However, over the past week, Iran has softened its stance.
As the war against Iran enters its third week, several countries, including US allies, have begun lobbying Tehran to reopen the strait or allow their ships to pass safely.
Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement earlier this week. They expressed their readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iraq, Malaysia, China, India, and Pakistan have reportedly held direct talks with Tehran on this issue, according to Lloyd’s, a maritime and shipping information service.