Iranian President Promises Japan Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian promised Japan on the 1st that Japanese vessels would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to AFP, the Iranian presidential office issued a statement saying that Pezeshkian told Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a phone call, "We will strive to provide a smooth and convenient navigation route for Japanese vessels." Since the outbreak of the Middle East war at the end of February this year, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed. On the other hand, Iranian state media reported today that in response to Israel's offensive in Lebanon, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened to open a "new front" and maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state television quoted the IRGC intelligence agency as saying, "Iran believes that crossing the red lines in Lebanon and Gaza means direct war." The statement added, "In response, in addition to maintaining the established situation in the Strait of Hormuz, we are determined to carry out defensive actions through concrete measures and opening new fronts."