Japan Urges De-escalation Amid U.S.-Iran Nuclear Tensions

Japan urged for a de-escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The call comes in light of U.S. military strikes aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which Japan views as a regrettable escalation in regional tensions.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed concern over the cycle of retaliation between Israel and Iran, emphasizing Japan's hope that dialogue will lead to resolving the nuclear issue. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba criticized Israel's military actions against Iran's nuclear facilities earlier in the month.

Despite the heightened tensions, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi noted the U.S. administration's intent to continue pursuing dialogue with Iran. This comes even after the exchange of military actions, with Iran maintaining that its nuclear program is for civilian use only.

(With inputs from agencies.)