Takaichi Supports Pakistani Mediation in US-Iran Talks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on April 13, 2026, to express her support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

During a 15-minute telephone conversation, Takaichi conveyed her respect for the diplomatic initiatives led by Sharif and other Pakistani officials to facilitate negotiations between the warring parties. Takaichi stated that stabilizing the situation in the Middle East is the most critical task currently facing the international community.

Focus on Maritime Security and Energy

A primary focus of the discussion was the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy transportation. Takaichi emphasized the urgent necessity of ensuring free and safe navigation for ships of all nations through the strait.

The urgency of this request stems from Japan’s heavy reliance on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports. Most of these imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed since the United States and Israel began attacking the country in late February 2026.

Takaichi informed Prime Minister Sharif that Japan believes the most important outcome is the swift conclusion of a final agreement through dialogue.

What is the most important is that a final agreement will be concluded early through dialogue

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

Failure of Islamabad Negotiations

The diplomatic outreach follows a failed attempt to reach a peace deal in the Pakistani capital. The United States and Iran had agreed to a two-week ceasefire prior to the negotiations, but two days of talks in Islamabad, which concluded on April 12, 2026, yielded no agreement.

Following the collapse of these negotiations, the United States military announced it would implement a naval blockade. Starting at 10 a.m. In Washington on April 13, 2026, the U.S. Military began blocking all ships entering and leaving Iranian coastal areas and ports.

Prime Minister Sharif briefed Takaichi on the specifics of the U.S.-Iran negotiations and the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Pakistan. He indicated that Pakistan intends to continue its cooperation with Japan regarding these regional issues.

Japan’s Strategic Position

Japan’s diplomatic approach reflects its complex strategic position in the region. While Japan remains a close security ally of the United States, it has traditionally maintained friendly relations with Iran.

Takaichi affirmed that Japan will continue to press forward with its own diplomatic initiatives in close coordination with the international community to help achieve an early de-escalation of the Middle East situation.

Both leaders affirmed that Japan and Pakistan will work together toward the restoration of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.