WANA (Apr 30) – The President of Iran, in a phone call with the Prime Minister of Japan, described U.S. actions against Iranian vessels as “piracy” and called for their immediate condemnation and cessation.

 

Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a telephone conversation on Thursday with Ms. Takeichi, the Prime Minister of Japan, to discuss the latest regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations.

 

During the call, Pezeshkian referred to the recent forty-day war and described the actions of the United States and Israel against Iran as “war crimes” and contrary to international norms. He cited examples including the assassination of senior figures, targeting public infrastructure, schools and hospitals, and attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

 

He also called recent provocative statements by U.S. officials—made alongside the blockade of Iranian ports—unacceptable, stressing that such actions further complicate the regional situation.

 

The president emphasized the determination of Iran’s government, people, and armed forces to defend the country’s legitimate rights, while noting that Tehran remains ready to pursue diplomacy to reach a fair solution—one that, he said, requires an end to “excessive demands” and provocative actions by the United States.

 

Pezeshkian described the insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz as a result of aggressive actions by the United States and Israel. He stressed the need for all countries to take a clear stance in condemning what he called “U.S. maritime piracy” and threats to international shipping.

 

In the conversation, the Prime Minister of Japan highlighted the importance of stable and friendly relations with Iran, assessing Tehran’s role in maintaining regional stability as significant and noting that continued dialogue could help reduce tensions.

 

She also expressed appreciation for allowing a Japanese vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and called for ensuring the safe passage of other Japanese ships through this strategic waterway, emphasizing the importance of maritime security.

 

The Japanese Prime Minister further described diplomacy as the main path to resolving disputes in the Middle East and expressed hope that negotiations between Iran and the United States would soon resume and lead to a final agreement.

 

At the end of the call, both sides emphasized the continuation of consultations to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.