By The South Asia Times

Tokyo -  Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said she is open to holding talks with Iran’s top leadership at an “appropriate” time, as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate and threaten global energy supplies.

Speaking at a parliamentary budget session, Takaichi stressed that any engagement with Iran would be guided by Japan’s national interest and broader strategic considerations, according to Kyodo News.

Her remarks come amid uncertainty over potential US-Iran negotiations reportedly linked to mediation efforts by Pakistan, while Donald Trump has renewed warnings of possible strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure if diplomacy fails.

Japan finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its long-standing alliance with the United States and its traditionally stable ties with Tehran.

The stakes are particularly high for Tokyo, which depends on the Middle East for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports, much of which flows through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

With Iran effectively disrupting traffic through the strait, concerns over energy security have intensified, pushing oil prices higher and raising fears of supply shortages. In response, Takaichi has tasked Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa with reviewing supply chains for critical materials and ensuring stability in essential goods, including fuel and medical supplies.

The crisis has also directly affected Japanese nationals, with several crew members stranded aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf. While some have returned home, others remain in the region as the situation evolves.

Japan has condemned Iran’s actions in the region, including its blockade of key shipping routes and retaliatory strikes, while stopping short of issuing a formal legal assessment of US military operations. Despite this, Takaichi has expressed support for Washington’s leadership, reflecting Tokyo’s careful balancing act in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Japan’s willingness to engage Tehran signals a potential new channel for dialogue at a time when global powers are scrambling to prevent a broader regional conflict.

Regional tensions have continued to intensify since Israel and the United States launched a large-scale offensive against Iran on February 28, which has reportedly killed more than 1,340 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran has carried out waves of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets, resulting in casualties, significant infrastructure damage, and ongoing disruption to global markets.