The Strait of Hormuz, which had been effectively blockaded after attacks on Iran, saw the first Japanese-bound crude oil tanker successfully pass through since the strikes. The tanker, Idemitsu Kosan's "Idemitsu Maru," carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, was tracked by shipping data website Marinetraffic as moving from the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Sea, with its destination listed as Nagoya.
Iranian state media reported that the tanker's passage was authorized by Tehran. The three Japanese crew members aboard are reported to be in good health. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi posted on social media earlier that "one Japan-related vessel has evacuated outside the Persian Gulf," adding, "We have been working with Iran at every opportunity. I myself have conveyed Japan's position to President Pezeshkian." She attributed the tanker's passage to diplomatic efforts.
Japan and Iran have historically maintained friendly relations. In a statement before the Idemitsu Maru's status was clear, the Iranian Embassy in Japan highlighted the "Nissho Maru," another Idemitsu Kosan tanker that transported Iranian crude in 1953 while circumventing a British blockade, calling its "historic mission... a testament to the long-standing friendship between our two countries."
However, 41 Japan-related vessels remain in the Persian Gulf. With reports that President Trump has instructed his aides to prepare for a long-term blockade, a swift resolution remains urgently needed.