Japan, Qatar Push Gulf De-Escalation Amid Fragile US-Iran Ceasefire Talks
Tokyo-Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani agreed on Thursday on the need to de-escalate tensions in the Arabian Gulf and safeguard maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as uncertainty persisted over negotiations between the United States and Iran.
During a telephone conversation, Motegi stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and concluding an agreement swiftly, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry. He also reiterated Japan’s support for ongoing U.S.-Iran dialogue and said Tokyo would continue coordinating with Qatar and the broader international community.
The talks came at a sensitive moment in regional diplomacy following reports that the United States and Iran had reached a preliminary understanding on extending a ceasefire and launching negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, pending final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Motegi described the discussion with Sheikh Mohammed as timely given the critical stage of U.S.-Iran relations and praised Qatar’s mediation role in regional diplomacy.
Both ministers emphasized the strategic importance of ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy shipping lanes. Concerns over maritime security in the Gulf have intensified in recent weeks amid military tensions involving Iran and the United States.
Motegi also underscored the long-standing energy partnership between Japan and Qatar, requesting continued cooperation to maintain stable energy supplies for Japan, which remains heavily dependent on imported liquefied natural gas and crude oil from the Middle East.
The Japanese minister additionally conveyed condolences over the death of former Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, crediting him with playing a major role in developing Qatar’s liquefied natural gas industry and strengthening bilateral ties.
Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the preferred means of resolving regional disputes, according to statements released after the call. He said Doha would continue working with Tokyo to ease tensions and contribute to stability around the Strait of Hormuz.
The Qatari prime minister also expressed support for expanding bilateral cooperation with Japan, particularly in the energy sector, as both countries pledged continued coordination aimed at promoting long-term peace and stability in the Middle East.
