Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have an announcement regarding the passage through the Strait of Hormuz by a Japan-related vessel.

Today, a Japan-related vessel, which was retained in the Persian Gulf, passed through the Strait of Hormuz and cleared the Persian Gulf. This vessel, with four Japanese crew members on board, is currently navigating toward Japan.

The Government of Japan considers the passage of one more vessel, following the passage of a Japan-related vessel on April 29, as another positive development, including from the perspective of protection of Japanese nationals. As a result of this passage, there are 39 Japan-related vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, one of which has three Japanese crew members on board.

For this passage, the Government of Japan has directly engaged with Iran on every possible occasion, including at the leaders’ and Foreign Ministerial levels, and carried out various coordination efforts, including those through the Embassy of Japan in Iran.

There are still many Japan-related vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, including one with Japanese nationals on board. The Government of Japan intends to continue actively pursuing all possible diplomatic efforts and coordination to realize the passage through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible for all vessels, including those related to Japan. That concludes my opening remarks.

Reporter: Was the vessel that passed through on this occasion the one reportedly associated with ENEOS Holdings?

Minister MOTEGI: We are not disclosing the vessel’s affiliation as it concerns the parties involved.

Reporter: For the previous passage of three vessels of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the IDEMITSU MARU, the related companies and the Government had explained, off the record, that transit fees were not paid. What about this time?

Minister MOTEGI: No transit fees have been paid.