Japanese firms' Iran reconstruction fund participation unclear amid US-Iran deal ambiguity

The Japanese government has refrained from commenting on media reports suggesting Japanese companies would participate in a fund for Iran's reconstruction, citing the absence of publicly available details regarding the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU). Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Japan awaits the swift finalization of the US-Iran agreement on ending the conflict.

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We will refrain from making any comments as the memorandum of understanding concerning the end of the war between the United States and Iran has not been made public at this time.

Responding to questions about government knowledge of corporate contributions to the reconstruction fund, Hayashi reiterated Japan's stance. "We will refrain from making any comments as the memorandum of understanding concerning the end of the war between the United States and Iran has not been made public at this time," he said. He expressed Japan's strong expectation for the early realization of a final agreement between the US and Iran on nuclear issues and related matters.

Hayashi further elaborated on Japan's potential role, stating, "Once a final agreement on ending the war between the United States and Iran is reached, Japan intends to contribute as much as possible to the peace and stability of the entire Middle East region, as well as to regional recovery and reconstruction." He also conveyed Japan's hope that the free and secure navigation of the Strait of Hormuz will be practically secured as the MOU is steadily implemented.

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Once a final agreement on ending the war between the United States and Iran is reached, Japan intends to contribute as much as possible to the peace and stability of the entire Middle East region, as well as to regional recovery and reconstruction.

Earlier reports, citing sources, indicated that the Iranian reconstruction fund aims for $300 billion, with over half already agreed upon by companies from countries including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States. However, the Japanese government has not explicitly denied participation, maintaining a position of cautious engagement while awaiting concrete details of the US-Iran accord.

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We hope that the free and secure navigation of the Strait of Hormuz will be practically secured as the memorandum of understanding is steadily implemented.