Japan tells Iran Hormuz transit should be free of fees: Takaichi

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday stressed the importance of not imposing fees on passage through the Strait of Hormuz in phone talks with Iran's president, as the trade artery has been effectively closed amid stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at her office in Tokyo, Takaichi said she also conveyed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Japan views it as necessary for the United States and Iran to hold talks and reach an agreement at an early date, especially on nuclear issues.