TOKYO, April 7, 2026 (V7N) – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday that “arrangements” were underway for a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as conflict continues to rage across the Middle East.  

Speaking in parliament, Takaichi noted that Tokyo was seeking dialogue with both Washington and Tehran. “We have to communicate both with the US and Iran, so we are seeking telephone calls with the presidents of both countries,” she told an upper house budget committee.  

The announcement came shortly after Japan confirmed that Iran had released a Japanese national detained since January. Local media identified the individual as the Tehran bureau chief of broadcaster NHK.  

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also spoke late Monday with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, expressing “grave concern” over Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries. Motegi reiterated Japan’s position that de-escalation was urgently needed and urged Tehran to engage sincerely in ongoing diplomatic efforts.  

Japan, the world’s fifth-largest oil importer, relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude supply and around 10 percent of its liquefied natural gas. The stakes for Tokyo remain high, especially as US President Donald Trump renewed criticism of allies, including Japan, for not contributing to the Iran war effort.  

END/WD/RH