Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers Hold 3rd Call; Japan Urges Serious Consideration of Ceasefire Mediation
The foreign ministers of Japan and Iran held their third telephone conversation since the start of military actions by the United States and Israel. Japan urged Iran to seriously consider ceasefire mediation efforts. Previous calls were made on March 9 and 17.
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- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 23:23
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According to reports by Mainichi Shimbun and TBS Television, this marks the third telephone conversation between the foreign ministers of Japan and Iran since the United States and Israel began military actions against Iran. The previous two calls took place on March 9 and March 17.
According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi explained Iran's current situation and stance during the meeting. Foreign Minister Motegi reiterated Japan's consistent position, calling for a swift de-escalation of the situation and expressing hope for a ceasefire. He also urged Iran to positively consider ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts by various countries, including Pakistan's proposed 45-day ceasefire plan.
Motegi also expressed deep concern over the escalation and potential long-term nature of the conflict, strongly demanding the assurance of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the safety of all vessels, including more than 40 Japan-related ships still in the Persian Gulf, must be guaranteed.
Furthermore, he once again requested the Iranian side to promptly release a Japanese national detained locally. Araghchi responded by stating, "We will take this request seriously." The Japanese government had previously confirmed that the detained individual is the Tehran bureau chief for Japan's public broadcaster, NHK World.
Prior to his call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Motegi also held a 30-minute telephone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He expressed respect for Pakistan's continuous mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran and confirmed that both sides would strengthen cooperation in promoting de-escalation and ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of a leader-level meeting with Iran during a House of Councillors Budget Committee session this morning, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that multiple intergovernmental agreements have already taken place between Japan and Iran, and "further leader-level talks are also being arranged."
According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi explained Iran's current situation and stance during the meeting. Foreign Minister Motegi reiterated Japan's consistent position, calling for a swift de-escalation of the situation and expressing hope for a ceasefire. He also urged Iran to positively consider ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts by various countries, including Pakistan's proposed 45-day ceasefire plan.
Motegi also expressed deep concern over the escalation and potential long-term nature of the conflict, strongly demanding the assurance of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the safety of all vessels, including more than 40 Japan-related ships still in the Persian Gulf, must be guaranteed.
Furthermore, he once again requested the Iranian side to promptly release a Japanese national detained locally. Araghchi responded by stating, "We will take this request seriously." The Japanese government had previously confirmed that the detained individual is the Tehran bureau chief for Japan's public broadcaster, NHK World.
Prior to his call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Motegi also held a 30-minute telephone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He expressed respect for Pakistan's continuous mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran and confirmed that both sides would strengthen cooperation in promoting de-escalation and ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of a leader-level meeting with Iran during a House of Councillors Budget Committee session this morning, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that multiple intergovernmental agreements have already taken place between Japan and Iran, and "further leader-level talks are also being arranged."