Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged his Iranian counterpart to show "maximum flexibility" in the U.S.-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call on Saturday. Motegi expressed strong expectations for the ceasefire to hold and talks to resume soon. The Japanese Foreign Ministry announced the details.
The 20-minute phone call took place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, while Motegi was visiting Kenya. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed Motegi on exchanges between the United States and Iran as well as the outlook, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
In response, Motegi stated that Japan has "strong expectations" the current ceasefire will hold and that U.S.-Iran talks will resume soon leading to a final agreement. He called on Iran to show "maximum flexibility" and stressed the importance of ensuring free and safe passage for vessels of all countries through the Strait of Hormuz, urging swift transit for remaining ships after Japan-related vessels recently passed.
The talks were held at Tehran's request, and the ministers agreed to maintain close communication. They had previously spoken by phone on April 15. A ceasefire between Washington and Tehran has been in place since early April, but no breakthroughs have occurred amid ongoing global oil supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure.
