Tokyo Refuses to Request Iran's Authorization for Japanese Tankers at Hormuz

Japan has no plans to ask Tehran to guarantee safe passage for its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Sunday on Fuji TV that "for the moment, we are not thinking about it," when asked about a potential request to Iran. His statement comes amid persistent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, disrupted by strikes carried out against Iran. Japan depends on crude oil imports from the Middle East, most of which transit through this strategic waterway.