Japan to Prepare for Any Risks over Strikes on Iran

Tokyo, Feb. 28 (Jiji Press)–Japan will prepare for any risks so it can take all possible measures after the U.S. and Israeli forces began military strikes against Iran, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in an X post Saturday. With the region’s situation expected to deteriorate further over a long period, the government will cooperate with related countries to minimize the impact on the economy and security. On Saturday night, the government held a National Security Council meeting at the prime minister’s office, attended by Takaichi, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and others, to discuss future measures. As an immediate response, the government will work to safeguard Japanese nationals living in the Middle East. Earlier, Takaichi told reporters at the prime minister’s office that she has instructed relevant government agencies to gather information thoroughly. She also ordered them to confirm and ensure the safety of Japanese nationals not only in Iran and Israel but also in such countries as Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and to assess the situation of sea and air routes as potential escape routes. Takaichi also requested an assessment of the expected economic impact. She declined to provide her evaluation of the U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Following the first report of the strikes, the government set up an information liaison office on the Iranian situation at the crisis management center of the prime minister’s office. According to the Foreign Ministry, about 200 Japanese nationals are in Iran, and no damage has been reported so far. The ministry on Saturday warned Japanese nationals in the Middle East to stay away from U.S. military bases in the region and evacuate early in preparation for possible cancellations of commercial flights. Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 pct of its crude oil imports, making the safety of sea lanes vital. The turmoil in the region could also lead to a relative decline in U.S. engagement in East Asian security. Japan has maintained its friendly relations with Iran, placing it in a dilemma between its own interests and those of its ally, the United States. Takaichi may struggle to articulate Japan’s stance on the attack. When the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year, then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba did not express approval or disapproval as he gave consideration to U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Takaichi is set to meet with Trump on March 19. Her response will be closely watched at a time when the rule of law has been shaken by developments including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]