Press Conferences

I just held a telephone meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi. A press release will be issued shortly, but let me give you an overview. At the outset, I conveyed Japan’s grave concern over the continuing exchange of attacks and the deterioration of the regional situation, and urged Iran to seek an early de-escalation of the situation. I also condemned Iran’s actions including its attacks on civilian facilities in the Gulf countries as well as actions that threaten freedom of navigation and safety in the Strait of Hormuz, and urged Iran to immediately cease such actions.

Furthermore, while reiterating Japan’s position that Iran’s development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed, I conveyed that Japan, in coordination with the international community, will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to resolve issues surrounding Iran, including the nuclear issue. In addition, I requested that Iran ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region and called for the early release of the two Japanese nationals detained in Iran. Regarding the safety of Japanese nationals, Foreign Minister Araghchi responded that Iran would cooperate fully. I also concurred with Minister Araghchi that we will continue close communication going forward.

On a separate note, from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals, we raised the level of Travel Advice and Warnings for Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon today.

Furthermore, just a short while ago, Japanese nationals wishing to depart from Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia completed boarding the government-chartered plane. The chartered plane is nearly full and will depart shortly. It is expected to arrive in Japan as early as tomorrow morning, Japan time.

We will continue to make such diplomatic efforts and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.