Tehran, March 21 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News on Friday that Tehran is ready to facilitate the passage of Japanese vessels via the Strait of Hormuz and that negotiations with Japan are underway.

He made the remarks in a telephonic interview to Kyodo News.

On the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Foreign Minister said, "We have not closed the strait. It is open". Araghchi told Kyodo News that while Iran has not closed the strategic waterway, it has, however imposed restrictions on vessels belonging to countries involved in attacks against Iran, while offering assistance to others amid heightened security concerns.

As per Kyodo News, Aragchi added that Iran is prepared to ensure safe passage for countries such a...