Japan strongly condemns Iranian attack on Israel as ‘escalation’
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Objects being intercepted in the sky, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on April 14, after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
TOKYO – Japan has strongly condemned a retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel, calling it an escalation of events and saying Tokyo was deeply concerned about the situation.
“This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation,” said a statement released by the foreign minister on April 14.
Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late on April 13
Peace and stability are especially important for Japan, and the government will continue to take the necessary diplomatic steps to prevent a deterioration of the situation, the statement also said.
Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for its oil imports, with 95 per cent of its crude oil coming from the region.
Japan has also traditionally been a friendly nation to Iran, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meeting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as recently as September to discuss Iran’s nuclear programme. REUTERS
