Japan Praises US-Iran Deal, Calls It a Major Step Towards Peace

Tokyo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday praised reports of an agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending months of war. Takaichi called it a ‘major step’ to de-escalate the conflict that has brought uncertainty to the global economy. The statement was made after US President Donald Trump announced via social media an agreement to end the war, with a memorandum of understanding expected to be signed on Friday. Trump stated the deal would lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a main artery for global energy supplies that has been practically closed due to the conflict. In a post on social media platform X, Takaichi wrote that Japan ‘welcomes the agreement as a major step’, adding it was the ‘result of persistent negotiations’. News of the agreement emerged as the Prime Minister was on a tour of Europe, scheduled to attend the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, starting Monday. Japan’s chief government spokesman, Minoru Kihara, stated in a regular press conference that Japan hopes the ‘consistently implemented’ memorandum of understanding will ‘help reduce risks for both the Japanese and global economies by ensuring free and safe navigation’ through the strait. Japan, which has limited natural resources, has long relied on the Middle East for most of its crude oil needs. The closure of the strait forced the Japanese government to diversify procurement from other countries. Takaichi stated last Thursday that Japan had successfully found alternative sources for July supplies at volumes equivalent to the previous year.