Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers Hold Third Call, Japan Urges Serious Consideration of Ceasefire Mediation

Mainichi Shimbun and TBS Television reported that this was the third phone call between the foreign ministers of Japan and Iran since military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, with the previous two calls on March 9 and 17. According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seyed Abbas Araghchi explained Iran's current situation and position during the meeting; Motegi reiterated Japan's consistent stance, calling for a swift de-escalation of the situation and expressing hope for a ceasefire, while urging Iran to seriously consider ongoing diplomatic mediation efforts by various countries, including Pakistan's 45-day ceasefire proposal. Motegi also expressed deep concern about the escalation and potential long-term nature of the conflict, strongly demanding the assurance of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the safety of all vessels, including over 40 Japanese-related ships still in the Persian Gulf, must be guaranteed. In addition, he once again requested Iran to release a Japanese national detained in the area as soon as possible, to which Araghchi responded, "We will take this request seriously." The Japanese government had previously confirmed that the detained Japanese national was the Tehran bureau chief of NHK World, a Japanese public broadcasting organization. Before the call with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Motegi also held a phone conversation of about 30 minutes with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, expressing respect for Pakistan's continuous mediation efforts between the US and Iran, and confirming that both sides would strengthen cooperation to promote de-escalation and ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz. On the other hand, when Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was asked in the House of Councillors Budget Committee this morning whether a summit meeting with Iran was possible, she stated that multiple intergovernmental agreements have already been made between Japan and Iran, and "further summit meetings are also being arranged." (Edited by Xie Yixuan) 1150406