Japan’s Takaichi seeks urgent summit with Iran as Trump’s Hormuz deadline looms

AdvertisementJapanAsiaEast AsiaJapan’s Takaichi seeks urgent summit with Iran as Trump’s Hormuz deadline loomsJapan has been bearing the brunt of the Iran war as the resource-poor nation relies on the Middle East for most of its crude oil imports 3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenKyodoPublished: 1:32pm, 6 Apr 2026The Japanese government is arranging summit talks with Iran, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday, with tensions mounting in the Middle East as US President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz approaches.“We are preparing dialogues at the leadership level at an appropriate time,” Takaichi told a parliamentary committee when asked by an opposition lawmaker about Japan’s diplomatic efforts regarding the US-Israeli war with Iran.“Japan will make every effort possible to restore peace,” said Takaichi, without mentioning the name of the Iranian leader she is considering holding talks with. AdvertisementJapan has been bearing the brunt of the Middle East conflict, as the resource-poor nation relies on the region for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports.Most of them transit the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy shipments that Iran has effectively closed, fuelling oil supply concerns and sending prices higher. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responds to questions from reporters regarding the release of oil stockpiles at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Tokyo on March 11. Photo: Jiji Press/AFPTrump has extended his pause on threatened attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, pushing back the deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz from Monday to Tuesday.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x