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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected calls for a ceasefire and laid out Tehran's conditions for ending the war in an interview with Japan's Kyodo News.
He noted that the conflict must end completely and permanently with guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages.
Araghchi also offered to facilitate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for Japanese vessels.
"We do not accept a ceasefire because we do not want what happened last year to be repeated. The war must end completely and permanently, and guarantees must be given that this situation will not happen again. The damages inflicted on Iran must also be compensated," Araghchi said.
He described the war as "imposed on Iran," saying Tehran had been engaged in negotiations with the United States when the attacks began on Feb. 28.
"This was an illegal, unprovoked act of aggression. Iran's response constitutes self-defense and will continue for as long as it takes," he added.
Araghchi said several countries are attempting to mediate and that Iran is "open to any initiative" and willing to consider proposals. However, he suggested the United States has yet to demonstrate its readiness for a genuine resolution.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi stated that Iran has not closed the waterway.
"We have not closed the strait. It is open. We have only imposed restrictions on vessels belonging to countries involved in attacks against Iran," he said.
He added that Iran is prepared to ensure safe passage for countries such as Japan if they coordinate with Tehran.
Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its crude oil imports, most of which travel through the Strait. Araghchi, a former ambassador to Japan, said the issue of navigation through the strait by Japanese vessels was discussed in his recent talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and that discussions are continuing.
In their most recent conversation, Motegi urged Iran to ensure the safety of all vessels in the strait.
A Japanese government official said that "directly negotiating with the Iranian side" is the "most effective way" to lift the blockade, while noting the need to avoid provoking the United States.
A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said Tokyo would carefully assess Araghchi's remarks, adding that even if Japanese vessels are able to sail through, the surge in energy prices will remain.
Vessels from countries including India, Pakistan, and Türkiye have reportedly passed through the strait.
Araghchi expressed appreciation for Japan's "balanced and fair" position and long-standing friendly ties with Iran.
He said he was aware of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Washington for summit talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing hope for "the role that Japan can play to end this aggression."
He called on the international community, including Japan, to take a stand against the attacks on Iran, saying the war is "illegal" under international law.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Thursday that she has brought "specific proposals to calm down global markets" to the White House amid the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.
"We are actually experiencing a very severe security environment," with the situation in the Middle East and the entire world, while "the global economy is now about to experience a huge hit because of this development," said Takaichi ahead of her summit with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
"But even against that backdrop, I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world," Takaichi told Trump.
"To do so, I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together," she added, emphasizing her reason for the visit as "to directly convey this message."
Takaichi was earlier welcomed by Trump to the White House for a day of meetings.
Speaking on Iran, Takaichi said, "Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed, and that is why we, Japan, have been urging them and also reaching out to other partners in the world."
Regional tensions in the Middle East have escalated since Israel and the U.S. launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing over 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks across the region. It has effectively closed to most ships the Strait of Hormuz. This key oil transit route normally handles about 20 million barrels per day and roughly 20% of the global liquefied natural gas trade.
Japan was one of the countries that signaled its readiness to support efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
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