Japan urges IEA to release oil reserves amid Middle East conflict.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged the International Energy Agency (IEA) to prepare for an additional release of oil reserves due to ongoing Middle East conflict concerns. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol confirmed the agency is ready to act if necessary, noting that 80% of its reserves remain available. Japan has already begun releasing private-sector reserves and plans to tap government stockpiles, highlighting the country's heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil.