Japan urges Iran's "constructive" response on navigation through straits

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Thursday to ensure Tehran responds "constructively" to efforts to restore free and safe navigation along key maritime routes amid signs of renewed talks between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, the Japanese government said.

In telephone talks, Motegi said it is important to secure safe passage for ships through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. A strategic island in the strait was seized by Iran-backed Houthi rebels last month.