TOKYO - Japan on Thursday emphasized the importance of diplomacy for a resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran after U.S. President Donald Trump's address on the conflict that has disrupted global oil supplies.
In his address on Thursday morning Japan time, Trump said the United States is "nearing completion" of its objectives in the conflict begun in late February, but added it will hit Iran "extremely hard" over the next two to three weeks.
He urged countries affected by oil shortages due to Tehran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to "go to the strait and just take it. Protect it."
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a regular press conference that Japan will "persist with diplomatic efforts with the international community to deescalate the situation quickly."
The top government spokesman also expressed "hope" that U.S. talks with Iran mentioned by Trump in recent days will "move in a positive direction."
Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transportation.
Kihara also said Japan is "currently considering" attending a meeting of 35 countries to be hosted later this week by Britain's foreign minister on diplomatic and political efforts to resume safe passage of commodities through the strait.
