Japan’s PM Takaichi Eyes Iran Talks Amid Middle East Tensions and Oil Crisis

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday she’ll weigh talks with Iranian leaders at an “appropriate” time, guided by national interests, as Middle East conflicts escalate.

Speaking to the House of Representatives’ Budget Committee, Takaichi stated: “I will judge the timing based on the national interest from a comprehensive standpoint.”

Tokyo treads a tightrope since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran late last month: upholding its U.S. security alliance while preserving ties with Tehran. The region supplies over 90% of Japan’s crude oil, much via the Strait of Hormuz—now effectively sealed by Iran, sparking global energy fears and price spikes.

Japan has slammed Iran’s strait blockade and retaliatory attacks on neighbors, which caused civilian deaths and wrecked oil infrastructure.

Takaichi’s administration skipped a legal review of U.S. actions but backed President Donald Trump, whom she hailed as “the only person who can bring peace and prosperity across the world” during their March 19 Washington summit.