Japan and France agreed on Wednesday to coordinate closely on efforts to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers, as US President Donald Trump said Washington would play no role in securing the vital waterway. As the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its fifth week, Japan and France, like other nations, are suffering from the consequences of the conflict, including rising energy prices. The continued effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows threatens a severe shortage of petroleum products. France has held talks with dozens of countries as it seeks proposals for a mission to reopen the strait once the war concludes. European countries are currently in advanced discussions to develop plans for protecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after the war ends.

Source: Daily News Egypt April 01, 2026 21:08 UTC