Oil-Starved Japan Lobbied Iran To Get Tanker Through Strait of Hormuz
Summary
A Japanese oil tanker, the Idemitsu Maru, passed through the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the Iran war started. This happened after talks between Japan and Iran, offering some relief to Japan, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil.Key Facts
- The Idemitsu Maru, owned by Japan and flagged in Panama, carried 2 million barrels of Saudi crude oil.
- The tanker was stuck in the Persian Gulf for two months before being allowed through.
- Japan used its strategic oil reserves in March and plans another release in May due to shortages caused by the Iran war.
- The Strait of Hormuz was closed to most commercial ships after attacks involving the U.S. and Israel beginning February 28.
- Japan and Iran engaged in intensive talks to secure the tanker's passage.
- No transit fees were reportedly paid to Iran, although the ship followed a route designated by Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
- The U.S. government has sanctions against paying tolls to Iran for oil transport but it is unclear if it knew about this negotiation.
- About 40 other Japan-linked ships remain stuck in the Gulf due to risks and Iran’s control of the strait.
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