Press Releases
U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
(Statement by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi)
June 23, 2025
- In the morning of June 22nd (Japan time), the United States announced that it carried out strikes on three nuclear-related facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. Japan is continuing to closely monitor the situation with great interest.
- Japan has consistently expressed serious concern over Iran's nuclear issue based on the position that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed for the sake of maintaining the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We have been making diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue in cooperation with the United States and others.
- The US-Iran talks, which began on April 12th of this year, are an extremely important opportunity for a peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue. Japan strongly supports these talks and has strongly urged Iran not to miss this opportunity for agreement.
- On the other hand, the attacks on Iran by Israel on June 13th, and the subsequent attacks by Iran on Israel, resulting in an exchange of retaliatory attacks, are extremely regrettable. We are also seriously concerned about the implication of attacks on US interests from Iran.
- Japan believes that the most important thing, above all, is to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible. At the same time, Iran's acquisition of nuclear weapons must be prevented. Amidst the extremely difficult circumstances surrounding Iran’s nuclear issue, the United States has been seriously pursuing dialogue, and Japan understands that the US action demonstrates its determination to de-escalate the situation while preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- Furthermore, Japan continues to strongly hope that the path to dialogue will be reopened by efforts toward a resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue through talks between the United States and Iran.
Peace and stability in the Middle East are extremely important to Japan, and we will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts in cooperation with the international community. - In response to this situation, the Government of Japan will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region, including Iran and Israel.