The Japanese government has urged the Iranian ambassador to ensure the safety of its vessels in response to warnings from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regarding oil exports in the Strait of Hormuz.
On February 3rd, the Japanese government officially called upon the Iranian ambassador in Japan to guarantee the safety of Japanese vessels amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following threats made by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) regarding interruptions to oil exports. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Kajiyama emphasized during a regular briefing the importance of the safety of Japanese ships and crews, advising the Japan Shipowners' Association to ensure that vessels navigate safely and to recommend that ships currently in the Persian Gulf do not enter risky areas.
Additionally, Hiroshi Kajiyama disclosed that Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi had directly communicated with the Iranian ambassador the day before, reinforcing Japan's concerns over maritime safety. The Japanese government has confirmed that, as of January 28, no damages related to Japanese vessels have been reported in the wake of recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. The Japanese authorities are committed to monitoring the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, focusing on ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad.
In a broader geopolitical context, Kajiyama also touched upon comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the increase in nuclear warhead stockpiles. While he emphasized the need for careful communication with France regarding these developments, he refrained from delving into specifics, citing the delicate nature of discussing another country's defense policies. This dynamic highlights the intricate balance of security concerns that Japan is navigating amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, especially related to Iranian activities.
