Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday that Iran will allow Japanese vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple media reports.
"We will try to provide a smooth and easy passage for Japanese ships," Pezeshkian reportedly told Takaichi during the phone conversation.
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to' request for comment.
During a telephone conversation with Pezeshkian, the third such exchange since the outbreak of the conflict in late February, Takaichi called for a swift resolution to the standoff between Tehran and Washington.
Takaichi urged Iran to ensure the free and safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and energy supply disruptions that have roiled global markets.
Japan's foreign ministry said Takaichi expressed strong hope that Iran will show the greatest possible flexibility and that a peace deal can be reached as soon as possible.
Takaichi reiterated her country's position that de-escalation should be pursued through dialogue and diplomacy. She also urged Iranian authorities to restore freedom of navigation via the Hormuz, one of the world's key energy chokepoints.
Takaichi said that free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be secured as soon as possible for vessels from all countries, including Japan and other Asian countries. The strategic waterway handles about 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Japan's foreign affairs ministry said Pezeshkian briefed Takaichi on the current status of negotiations between the US and Iran as well as Tehran's outlook for future negotiations.
The call comes as energy markets are closely monitoring developments around Hormuz, where shipping disruptions have heightened concerns about global crude supplies and contributed to price volatility.
The double US-Iran closure of the Strait is further straining energy-importing nations across Asia amid efforts to stabilize regional security.