Gulf chokepoints bring Japan closer to Saudi Arabia, Oman
Japan's top diplomat is in the Gulf this week, but the agenda says as much about Saudi Arabia and Oman as it does about Tokyo.
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Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi began a six-day visit to Saudi Arabia and Oman this week, with maritime security at the center of both stops. His meetings come as Saudi Arabia tries to keep crude flowing through the Red Sea despite renewed Houthi pressure, while Oman negotiates with Iran over arrangements governing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. For Gulf states, the visit highlights how disruptions at the region's two main maritime chokepoints are drawing major Asian energy consumers more directly into conversations over regional security and economic resilience.
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