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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday assured Japan that authorities would facilitate the passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely closed since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict in February.
“We will try to provide a smooth and easy passage for Japanese ships,” Pezeshkian told Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a phone conversation, according to a statement from the Iranian presidency.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most strategically important energy transit routes, carrying a significant portion of global oil and natural gas shipments.
Regional tensions escalated after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February.
Tehran responded with attacks targeting Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf and by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended indefinitely by U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, following stalled negotiations in Islamabad, the United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on April 13, including those located along the Strait of Hormuz.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing to end the conflict and reach a broader agreement between the parties.
Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament is preparing to vote on legislation that would formalize the country's management of the strategic waterway.
Alaeddin Salimi, a member of parliament’s presiding board, said Saturday that lawmakers had reached a “definitive decision” to codify Iran’s management of the strait.
“The parliament’s decision to legislate the management of the Strait of Hormuz is final, and this plan will become law,” Salimi told Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
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He said parliament would not allow foreign powers to dictate policy regarding the waterway.
“Those who say the Strait of Hormuz must remain open should know that this issue concerns us. We will not allow others to decide for us,” Salimi said.
According to the lawmaker, all provisions of the proposed legislation will be reviewed and approved by parliament before taking effect.
He added that the bill is expected to be presented during a public parliamentary session in the near future for debate and a vote.
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