[Provisional translation]
(Reporter)
I am Urago, with Kyodo News. Madame Prime Minister, you earlier held a telephone call with President Pezeshkian of Iran. Could you tell us what was discussed? Also, a large crude oil tanker whose operations are managed by a subsidiary of Idemitsu Kosan has passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Was this matter raised during the call?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Earlier today, I held another telephone call with President Pezeshkian of Iran. I expressed my strong expectation for the early resumption of U.S.-Iran talks and the achievement of a final agreement. Furthermore, I stated that I consider the passage through the Strait of Hormuz of a Japan-related vessel with three Japanese crew members on board as a positive development, including from the perspective of protection of Japanese nationals. Furthermore, I strongly urged Iran to promptly ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels of all countries including Japan and other Asian countries.
In response, President Pezeshkian explained Iran’s views including the future outlook, and we concurred on continuing close communication.
In the process leading to the safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz of one Japan-related vessel, I have personally engaged with President Pezeshkian. In addition, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Motegi, we have conducted various forms of coordination with the Iranian side, including through our embassy on the ground. There still remain in the Persian Gulf a number of Japan-related vessels, including those carrying Japanese crew members. The Government will continue to make every possible diplomatic effort and carry out necessary coordination to realize, as soon as possible, the passage through the Strait of Hormuz of these vessels, as well as all other vessels. That is all.