YOKOHAMA: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif looks forward to discussions with his Japanese counterpart, as both countries have special interests in the security of the energy market and stability in the Gulf, he said on Tuesday.

Zarif made the comment in Yokohama, outside of Tokyo, ahead of a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Japan has historically had friendly ties with Iran. It is also Washington's closest ally. Tension between Tehran and Washington have risen since US President Donald Trump's administration last year quit an international deal to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and began to ratchet up sanctions.