Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be open for Japanese ships, assuring the Tokyo government of their safe passage.

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, stated on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz will be open for Japanese carriers, assuring the government in Tokyo that Japanese ships will be able to pass safely through this strategic route.

The commitment was communicated directly to the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, during a phone conversation.

The Strait of Hormuz, which represents a crucial route for the transport of approximately one-fifth of the world's oil, has been largely blocked since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, leading to significant increases in oil prices.

The Director of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, warned that the blockage will generate a major energy crisis. Asia, in particular, has been severely affected, with over 80% of the oil transported through the Strait reaching this region, and China, India, Japan, and South Korea being the main importers.

Takaichi requested the IEA to prepare a new release from strategic oil reserves to counteract the price increases.