Japan Categorically Denies Paying Iran for Its Tanker's Passage Through the Strait of Hormuz

The Japanese government has refuted circulating reports regarding the payment of funds to Tehran in exchange for allowing the oil tanker "Idemitsu Maru" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Responsible sources in Tokyo confirmed that the tanker's crossing was achieved through diplomatic efforts and bilateral understandings without any financial compensation. The tanker, operated by "Idemitsu Kosan" and carrying two million barrels of oil, had been halted off the Saudi coast since late February for security reasons, following escalating tensions and Iran's closure of the strait, before recently allowing the passage of friendly nations' ships.