New Delhi, March 21 -- Iran is prepared to allow Japanese-related vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Araqchi told a Japanese news agency that Tehran has initiated discussions with Tokyo on the possible reopening of the strait. Japan receives nearly 90% of its oil supplies through the route, which Iran has largely restricted during the U.S.-Israeli war on the country.

U.S. President Donald Trump met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday and urged her to "step up," as he called on allies to deploy warships to help reopen the strategic waterway.

Following the Washington summit, Takaichi told reporters that she had informed Trump about the assistance Japan could a...