Japan deploys maximum efforts to de-escalate situation in the Middle East

The Embassy of Japan in Jakarta states that Japan is deploying maximum efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East. “We have deployed maximum efforts to de-escalate the situation in this region,” said Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Japanese Embassy, Myochin Mitsuru, during a discussion at the Embassy of Japan in Jakarta on Thursday (23/4). He stated that tensions in the Middle East, particularly due to attacks on Iran that have caused the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, have had very serious global impacts. To this end, Japan is promoting de-escalation efforts as soon as possible through cooperation with G7 countries and also Gulf countries in the Middle East. “We are now conducting diplomatic efforts to call for de-escalation of the situation as soon as possible to the Gulf countries,” he said. Regarding the situation in Iran, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has emphasised the need to carry out joint efforts with the international community, including the United States, to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible and realise peace and stability in the Middle East. During her visit to Washington, D.C. in March, the prime minister met with President Trump and agreed that they would continue to maintain close communication between Japan and the US to realise peace and stability in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz. “The two leaders agreed to communicate intensively to achieve de-escalation of the situation in that region as soon as possible,” Myochin added. In addition, Japan has also conducted diplomatic efforts with Iran through a telephone conversation with the President of Iran on 8 April. Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has also held telephone conversations with the Iranian Foreign Minister five times and emphasised the importance of restoring stability in the Strait of Hormuz. On that occasion, Japan urged Iran to immediately ensure freedom and security of navigation for all ships, including Japanese ships and those from other Asian countries. Not only bilateral efforts, Japan is also undertaking multilateral efforts by joining a joint statement from leaders regarding the Strait of Hormuz on 19 March. Most recently, on 17 April, Japan also joined a meeting of leaders on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz organised by France and the United Kingdom.