Press Releases
Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Meeting
March 16, 2026
On March 16, commencing at 08:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone meeting with The Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- Foreign Minister MOTEGI and Secretary of State Rubio exchanged views, focusing on the current situation in the Middle East, including the situation surrounding Iran.
Foreign Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan condemns Iran's actions including its attacks on civilian facilities, including energy-related facilities in the Gulf countries, as well as activities that threaten the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of critical importance to the international community, including Japan, particularly from the perspective of energy security, and that Japan will continue to make every necessary diplomatic effort, in coordination with the international community including the United States.
Secretary of State Rubio explained the position and efforts of the United States. The two ministers affirmed that they would continue to maintain close communication regarding their response to the situation surrounding Iran. - The two ministers concurred that they would work closely together to ensure that the upcoming visit of Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, to the United States will be another opportunity to demonstrate the unwavering strength of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.