Japan Govt Concerned about U.S.-Iran Exchange of Attacks

Tokyo, July 13 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government is becoming more cautious about the Middle East situation, following U.S.-Iran retaliatory strikes. If the situation in the region deteriorates, negotiations under a U.S.-Iran memorandum aimed at ending the conflict may be affected. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Monday that the government is “concerned about the continued military tension between the United States and Iran.” “What matters is the early de-escalation of the situation, the continuation of talks and the prompt realization of a final agreement,” he added. Kihara also said that the government plans to continue its diplomatic efforts, including collaboration with the international community. Regarding recent retaliatory attacks, an official close to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that “the situation is unpredictable.” A senior official from the Japanese Foreign Ministry said: “I’m worried about the future. I hope that the talks so far will not break down.” A Japanese government official said, “All we can do is wait and see how the talks go.” Another concern is the announcement by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite military organization, that it will block the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for oil transportation. Crude oil futures prices rose on Monday. A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said, “If crude oil prices surge again, it will deal a body blow to people’s livelihoods.” Four Japanese-related ships are still stranded in the Persian Gulf. Kihara said, “We will carefully provide information to the people concerned and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]