**Iran Pledges Support for Japanese Vessels in Strait of Hormuz** Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran is prepared to facilitate the passage of Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy shipments. This statement came during a telephone interview with *Kyodo News* on Friday, where Araghchi emphasized that negotiations with Japan on the issue are ongoing. Araghchi clarified that Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, but rather imposed restrictions on vessels belonging to countries involved in attacks against Iran. He stated that Iran is seeking a "complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war," in response to the attacks by the United States and Israel in late February. The Iranian foreign minister expressed a willingness to ensure safe passage for countries like Japan, provided they coordinate with Tehran. Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports, with most of these shipments traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. The importance of this waterway is underscored by the recent discussions between Araghchi and Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, where the issue of navigation through the strait by Japanese vessels was addressed. According to Araghchi, the talks with Japan are ongoing, but the details of the discussions cannot be disclosed at this time. The Iranian foreign minister's statement suggests that Tehran is willing to engage with Japan and other countries to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while also emphasizing the need for a comprehensive end to the conflict with the United States and Israel. In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was speaking with *Kyodo News* in Tehran in December. The photograph of this interview has been widely circulated, providing a glimpse into Araghchi's diplomatic efforts to address the complex issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.