Japan hopes a "final agreement" will be concluded swiftly between the US and Iran to de-escalate the Middle East situation, after Washington-Tehran weekend peace talks failed to reach a deal.
"What is most important is that de-escalation, including securing the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is actually achieved," Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said in a press conference Monday, adding that Tokyo is closely watching developments and will continue to work with the international community.
Kihara also said no decision has been made about whether Japan plans to send its Self-Defense Forces for minesweeping operations in the strait, a chokepoint for global energy transportation.
Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude oil imports. Most transit the strait, which Iran has effectively closed since the US and Israel began attacking the country in late February.