Motegi Presses Iran for Maximum Flexibility in U.S. Standoff

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged Iran to show 'maximum flexibility' after a May 2 phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Japan's Foreign Ministry said. Japan Today reported the appeal amid the U.S.-Iran standoff, with Tokyo also pressing for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Key developments

• The call was held at Iran's request while Motegi was visiting Kenya. According to the ministry, it began at 8:45 p.m. on May 2 local time, or 2:45 a.m. on May 3 in Japan, and lasted about 20 minutes.

• Araghchi briefed Motegi on the current situation and outlook, including exchanges between Washington and Tehran. Motegi said Japan expects the ceasefire to be maintained, called for the early resumption of U.S.-Iran talks, and urged movement toward a final agreement.

• Hormuz remains central to Tokyo's concern. Motegi underscored free and safe passage for vessels of all countries, including Japan, and requested that remaining vessels be allowed through as soon as possible after the passage of a Japan-related vessel.

• The call followed a week of active diplomacy around the strait and possible negotiations. Nippon.com, citing Jiji Press, said Motegi told Araghchi Japan strongly hopes the United States and Iran soon resume talks and reach a final deal. Reuters, via Investing.com, reported May 2 that an Iranian proposal would open shipping in Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade of Iran while leaving nuclear talks for later, but that President Donald Trump was not satisfied with the latest offer.

What to watch

The next concrete signal is whether Washington and Tehran move from proposals and mediated exchanges into resumed talks. The available reports do not say the May 2 Japan-Iran call produced a new agreement, only that the ministers affirmed continued close communication.

The second unresolved issue is passage through Hormuz. Japan's statement singled out remaining vessels after one Japan-related vessel passed, so any announcement on further ship movements, route conditions, or revised terms for reopening shipping would be the clearest follow-up.

Sources

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers' Telephone Call
• Japan Today: Japan foreign minister urges Iran flexibility amid U.S.-Iran standoff
• Nippon.com/Jiji Press: Japan Tells Iran of Strong Hope for Peace Deal with U.S.
• Reuters via Investing.com: Iran offers Strait deal; Trump dissatisfied but prefers non-military path

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