ran's Foreign Minister says the country is prepared to allow Japanese-related vessels to pass t

Iran Agrees to Let Japan-Affiliated Ships Through Strait of Hormuz—Diplomacy Delivers a Breakthrough

A diplomatic opening in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's foreign minister says Tehran is ready to allow Japan-affiliated vessels to pass, following talks between officials. Japan, heavily reliant on Middle East oil, tapped its reserves this month as war disrupted flows. Tokyo has been under Trump's pressure to help secure the strait—but legal constraints complicated the ask. After meetings in Washington this week, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi laid out those limits while also signaling alignment on boosting U.S. oil imports and missile cooperation. The result? A measured step forward without crossing red lines.