Press Releases
Passage through the Strait of Hormuz by a Japan-related vessel
May 14, 2026
- On May 14, a Japan-related vessel which was retained in the Persian Gulf passed through the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Persian Gulf. This vessel, with four Japanese crew members on board, is currently navigating towards Japan.
- The Government of Japan considers this passage, following the passage of another Japan-related vessel on April 29, as a positive development as well, 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, and among these vessels, there is one vessel with three Japanese crew members on board.
- For this passage, the Government of Japan has been directly requesting Iran on every occasion, including at Summit and Foreign Ministerial levels, and has been coordinating including through the Embassy of Japan in Iran.
- There are still many Japan-related vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, including those with Japanese nationals on board. The Government of Japan will continue to actively make all 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.