April 14, 2026
TOKYO – Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke on the phone with her Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, expressing her appreciation for the mediation efforts by Pakistani officials, including Sharif, in the recent talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad.
Takaichi told reporters that she emphasized that “it is essential to ensure free and safe navigation [through the Strait of Hormuz] for vessels from all countries, including Japan and other Asian nations, as soon as possible.”
Takaichi said the most important thing is that concrete steps be taken to de-escalate the situation, including ensuring that vessels can safely pass through the strait. She said she conveyed Japan’s position to Sharif that “it is important to reach a final agreement through dialogue at the earliest possible date.”
According to Takaichi, Sharif told her that he wishes to continue cooperating with Japan to bring the situation under control as soon as possible.