Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks to reporters at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday following phone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. | JIJI

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during phone talks Thursday to ensure that all ships, including those from Japan and other Asian nations, can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

A crude oil tanker owned by Idemitsu Tanker, a subsidiary of major Japanese oil wholesaler Idemitsu Kosan, has safely sailed through the strait, a major oil chokepoint, which is effectively under a blockade.

Takaichi said she views this as a positive development from the viewpoint of protecting Japanese nationals.

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