Hello, welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo.
US REPORTEDLY REBUFFS EFFORTS FOR CEASEFIRE TALKS
Reuters news agency has said the US administration of President Donald Trump has rebuffed diplomatic efforts by its Middle Eastern allies to start ceasefire talks with Iran.
The report comes on Saturday, two weeks since the beginning of the US-Israeli military operation against Iran.
The exchange of attacks is continuing, with Iran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz and fighting back.
Reuters cited sources, including a senior White House official, as saying that the Trump administration is rejecting mediation attempts by several countries.
The official reportedly said Trump is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran's military capabilities.
Reuters said Trump's rejection could indicate that the US administration has no plans for a quick end to the war for now.
Reuters also reported that Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, had sought to use Oman as a mediator for ceasefire discussions, possibly with US Vice President J.D. Vance. But it said those discussions have not materialized.
TRUMP'S CALL FOR WARSHIPS COULD SURFACE IN JAPAN SUMMIT
US President Trump is calling on countries affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to send military vessels to the vital oil route, and Iran is firing back.
Trump wrote on social media that many countries affected by the move will work with the US to send warships to keep the strait open and safe.
He adds that he hopes that will include China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and others.
In another post, he says, This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be.
Earlier this month, Trump said the US Navy would protect tankers navigating through the strait.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi fired back on social media, saying the US is begging others, even China, to help secure Hamuz.
Beijing has called for an immediate halt to US and Israeli military operations.
Japanese Prime Minister Takai Itsanae is set to begin a four-day US trip Wednesday for talks with Trump.
The request for Japan to send ships to Hormuz could be discussed.
However, it remains unclear how the safety of the waterway will be ensured amid the risk of ships being attacked by Iran.
Defense Ministry sources added that Tokyo may face difficult decisions regarding any Self-Defense Force's deployment, like the need to assess the legality of US and Israeli actions.
They said, given few details, Tokyo needs to carefully watch developments, such as whether Washington will make specific requests in the upcoming summit.
Japanese government sources told NHK the US is scrambling to address surging crude prices.
They said Trump's post suggests Takaichi may be directly asked to cooperate, but Japan must weigh any response against legal constraints.
N.KOREA'S KIM OVERSEES TEST-FIRE OF ROCKET LAUNCHERS
We're following new developments out of North Korea.
State-run media say the country has test-fired multiple rocket launchers, and leader Kim Jong-un was on hand to watch the drill.
Korean Central Television reported that Saturday's firepower strike drill used 600-millimeter, so-called ultra-precision multiple rocket launchers.
Twelve launchers took part, and North Korea claims all rockets hit a target roughly 360 kilometers away.
Footage released by Pyongyang shows Kim observing the drill alongside his daughter.
Kim said the drill was meant to unsettle enemies within the weapon's 420-kilometer range, and demonstrate what he called the destructive power of a tactical nuclear weapon.
He warned that if deterrence fails, the weapons would be used immediately.
South Korea's military says the North launched more than ten ballistic missiles from near the capital, Pyongyang, toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday afternoon, apparently referring to the same drill.
This comes as South Korea and the United States carry out a regular joint exercise running through Thursday.
The drill simulates an emergency on the Korean peninsula, and both countries' forces remain on alert as North Korea ramps up its opposition.
JAPAN, S.KOREA AGREE TO COOPERATE FOR STABLE ENERGY SUPPLY
Japan and South Korea have agreed to work together to ensure stability in energy supply and financial markets in view of the current situation in Iran.
Finance ministers from both countries held a meeting in Tokyo on Saturday.
It was the tenth round of such bilateral dialogue.
00:05:27 話者 2/Katayama Satsuki/Japanese Finance Minister
Maritime transportation through the Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for the stable supply of energy in Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea.
I am closely monitoring developments in the energy and financial markets with a high sense of tension.
00:05:45 (Maria Sato)
South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yoon-chol said crude oil prices are rising and that there are geopolitical risks.
He also said global economic uncertainty is increasing and that interests and motives of countries are becoming more complex.
The officials released a joint statement after the two-hour talks.
The statement said the ministers expressed serious concern over the recent sharp depreciation of the Japanese yen and the South Korean won.
They vowed to take appropriate actions against excessive volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates.
00:06:25 話者 2
The two countries were able to further deepen their cooperative relations.
We will continue to work together closely and flexibly.
♫ ＃NHK BOSAI
JAPAN LOSES WBC QUARTERFINAL TO VENEZUELA
00:07:07 (Maria Sato)
In the World Baseball Classic, Japan has been knocked out of the quarterfinal round after losing to Venezuela 5-8. Japan had been aiming to win back-to-back championships.
In the past, Japan has won the championship three times and has twice finished within the top four teams. Japan held the lead, but Venezuela later came on strong.
This is the first time Japan has failed to advance to the semifinals.
SNOW REMOVAL UNDERWAY ON SCENIC ROAD IN NORTHEAST JAPAN
Turning to Japan's Tohoku region, where preparations are underway for the spring tourist season. Snow clearing has begun on a scenic mountain route that will reopen next month.
A ceremony was held to pray for the safety of the workers.
The Zao Echo Line connects Miyagi and Yamakata prefectures.
The scenic route is closed to traffic during the winter due to snow accumulation and frozen roads.
An official from Miyagi says there has been less snow than usual this year, with a depth of about eight meters near the highest point.
The work will proceed at a pace of around 500 meters a day.
The road is scheduled to reopen on April 24.
Those were the headlines for this hour.
WEATHER
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
And that's the latest we have for you at this hour on NHK Newsline.
I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo. Do stay with us for more on NHK World Japan.
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