TOKYO – Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held phone talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 16, discussing Middle East tensions including Iran’s actions, following President Donald Trump’s push for allies to form a coalition safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated earlier that Japan has not decided on deploying naval vessels for ship escorts in the region. A Foreign Ministry official clarified no such request came from Rubio during the call.
According to the ministry’s readout, the ministers focused on Iran-related developments. Motegi condemned Tehran’s attacks on civilian infrastructure like Gulf energy sites and threats to Hormuz navigation. He stressed the strait’s critical role in global energy security, pledging Japan’s diplomatic cooperation with the US and others.
Both sides affirmed ongoing close coordination on the Iran crisis and preparations for Takaichi’s upcoming Washington visit this week.