City
Epaper

Bolton meets top Japanese officials amid US-Iran tensions

By IANS | Updated: July 22, 2019 18:10 IST

US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Monday met top Japanese officials amid growing tensions with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Open in App

Bolton first met with Shotaro Yachi, chair of Japan's National Security Council, and later Foreign Minister Taro Kono, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"We had a very productive discussion on a wide range of issues," Bolton told reporters following his meeting with Yachi, Kyodo News reported.

During the meeting with Kono, Bolton said that he wants to maintain close cooperation with Japan to resolve issues in the region and reiterated his commitment towards working on North Korean denuclearization, said the statement cited by Efe news.

Issues believed to have been discussed in the meetings include Washington's international coalition plan to strengthen security around the Strait of Hormuz.

The maritime security initiative was drawn up following the attacks on two oil tankers in the region - one of which was operated by a Japanese firm. The US has alleged Iran's role in the attack.

It is estimated that a fifth of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The White House reiterated that free navigation through the strait was important for global economic stability.

Bolton is to travel to Seoul on Tuesday for a two-day visit and is will meet with his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo to discuss - among other issues - the current status of denuclearization talks with North Korea.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: BoltonjapanShotaro YachiTaro KonoThe Strait Of Hormuz
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalEarthquake of Magnitude 8.8 Is Equal to Explosion of 15,900 Atomic Bombs Like Hiroshima, Claims Grok

InternationalWhales Washed Ashore in Japan After Tsunami Hits Island Nation; Videos Surface

InternationalTsunami in US, Japan and Russia: Did New Baba Vanga's July 2025 Prediction Come True? Internet Buzzes With Ryo Tatsuki's Claims

InternationalTsunami Warning Issued for US States and Japan After 8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Russian Coast

InternationalEarthquake in Russia: Quake of Magnitude 8.0 Strikes Kamchatka Peninsula; Tsunami Warning Issued

International Realted Stories

InternationalLeaders slam Trump's tariff threat over Russian oil; call for retaliatory measures

International"India has not violated any US Law," Former Mos, MEA MJ Akbar on US tariffs

InternationalAwami League blames 'incompetent' Yunus regime for Bangladesh's spiralling economic crisis

InternationalSouth Korean gov't official says Ulchi Freedom Shield was 'adjusted' to ease tensions with North Korea

InternationalIndia hands over first batch of 10 electric buses to Mauritius