Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has urged his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to exercise “maximum flexibility” to help secure a de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Al Jazeera reports.

Motegi has expressed “deep concern” over the widening “damage” of the conflict, including on neighbouring countries, during a phone call.

Citing energy security concerns, he has asked Iran to “urge” Yemen’s Houthi rebels to “exercise restraint” following the group’s declaration of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and their attacks on commercial vessels.