Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters he hopes the talks Trump referenced will move in a positive direction.
Kihara said stability in the Middle East — including safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz — is critical for energy supplies. He added that Japan will continue diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the international community.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told the House of Councillors the government’s next steps will depend on Iran’s response. He warned that even if a ceasefire is declared, Tehran would face strong international criticism if it continues to block the Strait of Hormuz.
A Japanese government official told NHK that Trump’s speech offered no major developments and contained nothing beyond what had been expected.
A senior Foreign Ministry official called the remarks unsurprising, describing the address as a restatement of positions the president has already articulated.
In his April 1 address (local time), President Trump said the U.S. would deliver an “extremely strong” strike against Iran over the next two to three weeks and said he was pleased core strategic objectives were nearing completion.
He added that discussions are ongoing and described Iran’s new leadership as “less radical and much more reasonable.”
