Japan is drafting a plan to bolster Gulf energy resilience, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at talks with Qatar's premier, Anadolu reported on October 2.

The meeting in Tokyo with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani came as the US-Iran war continues to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A June framework agreement, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, was meant to lead to a final deal on navigation of the strait and Iran's nuclear programme, and Tehran confirmed in July that mediators had presented proposals to end the conflict.

Takaichi said she voiced "strong concern" over military tensions surrounding Iran and "significant disruption" to the rules-based maritime order. She also expressed respect for Qatar's role as mediator and a wish to work closely with Doha towards stabilising the situation.

The Japanese plan covers the economic as well as the energy resilience of Gulf states, including Qatar.

The US has struck Iran during the conflict, and Tehran has attacked US military bases and energy facilities in Gulf states.