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Japan PM Calls for Resumption of Hormuz Traffic in Phone Call With Iranian President

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Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, calling for the smooth passage of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from her office.

Takaichi restated Japan's position that conflict de-escalation through dialogue should be the sides' main priority and said she hoped Iran would take this opportunity.

The prime minister urged Iran to allow free and safe passage through the closed Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, for Japan and other countries around Asia, who are bearing the brunt of the waterway's closure, given their reliance on Middle Eastern crude imports.

Iran's president updated Takaichi on the status of exchanges between his country and the US and offered an outlook of what lies ahead, the statement said, without offering further detail.

The statement ended noting that the two leaders agreed on staying in close contact to foster an imminent resolution to the conflict.

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