Iran Willing to Help Japanese Ships Pass Through: We Are Not Closing the Strait of Hormuz

Iran is willing to help Japanese ships sail through the vital global fuel supply route, the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is not closing the strait.

Quoted by AFP on Saturday (21/3/2026), Japan relies on crude oil imports from the Middle East, most of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively closed the strait in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks, prompting countries dependent on the shipping lane to seek alternative routes and utilise reserves.

In a telephone interview with Kyodo News on Friday (20/3), Araghchi denied closing the route and instead emphasised that countries attacking Iran face restrictions, while others are offered assistance.

“We have not closed the strait. The strait is open,” he said.

He added that Iran is ready to ensure a safe passage for Japan.

Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, is the fifth-largest oil importer, with 95% coming from the Middle East and 70% passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

On Monday (16/3), Tokyo announced it had begun releasing its strategic oil reserves, one of the largest in the world.

The country has reserves equivalent to 254 days of domestic consumption.

Members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed on 11 March to utilise oil reserves to dampen the price surge caused by the war in the Middle East—so far, the largest response ever undertaken for such a conflict.