Japan seeks US-Iran talks to end Mideast conflict

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi Monday called for restarting US-Iran talks to end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

According to Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Dar said Islamabad still hopes that negotiations between the US and Iran can lead to a resolution.

Motegi expressed "serious concern over the continued military tensions" and reiterated the importance of de-escalating the situation as soon as possible and "resumption of talks between the United States and Iran," the ministry said.

The talks have stalled in recent weeks over an agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Japanese foreign minister emphasized that it “is of the utmost importance to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without any additional costs.”

According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, Dar and Motegi expressed hope that all sides would return to dialogue and pursue implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The two exchanged views on the implications of the situation for energy supplies, supply chains, and the global economy.

During the meeting, Motegi expressed Tokyo’s appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to mediate in the conflict, which began with military action by the US and Israel in late February, the Foreign Ministry said.

The strategic waterway, which is a major route for global trade, has effectively been closed because of the conflict, contributing to disruptions in international energy markets.