Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she is looking to hold talks with Iran's leader and possibly also a separate call with U.S. President Donald Trump, as the clock ticks on the U.S. president's latest threat to bomb key Iranian infrastructure.
"We are currently making preparations for leadership level talks," Takaichi said of talks with Iran during a parliamentary session Monday. "We will continue to do everything in our power to find an off-ramp to this situation and return to peace."
Takaichi's comments came with Trump warning Tehran that the U.S. will bomb Iranian power plants unless it opens up the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point through which Japan secures over 90% of its oil. Takaichi said that Japan would do what it can ahead of the Tuesday ultimatum set by Trump, suggesting that she was also seeking a phone call with Trump, though nothing has been finalized yet.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.