Iran ready to help Japan ships via Hormuz

Tehran is willing to help Japanese ships transit the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil supplies, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News in an interview published Saturday. Japan, world's fourth-ranking economy is the fifth-biggest importer of oil, with 95% coming from Middle East and 70% passing via Hormuz. In a telephone interview with Kyodo News on Friday, Araghchi denied the passage was closed, insisting instead that countries attacking Iran face restrictions, while others were being offered assistance. He said Iran was prepared to ensure safe passage for Japan. "They only need to contact us so we can discuss how this transit can take place."