Japan and Saudi Arabia Establish Oil Route Bypassing Strait of Hormuz

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed during a phone call on April 23, 2026, to establish an alternative crude oil supply route to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. According to official readouts of the conversation, this agreement responds to severe maritime disruptions in the strait caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.

Prime Minister Takaichi expressed gratitude for existing shipments arriving via the Red Sea and Yanbu Port and requested expanded cooperation to secure stable energy supplies. To manage domestic needs through the end of the year, Japan is combining these alternative routes with the release of strategic reserves, a process that began on March 16. The leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to expand cooperation across various fields to enhance global economic stability.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman affirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to maintaining stable energy supplies for global markets. The two leaders discussed regional security and the protection of vital maritime navigation routes to prevent further disruptions to global supply chains. Prime Minister Takaichi specifically emphasized the importance of maintaining the Pakistan-mediated US-Iran ceasefire and pursuing a final diplomatic agreement to de-escalate regional tensions.