Tokyo: In the wake of the latest U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks, Japan has issued a strong appeal for restraint and dialogue. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed grave concern over the rapid deterioration of security in the Middle East and urged all parties particularly the United States, Iran, and Israel to take immediate steps to de-escalate the crisis and avoid a wider regional conflict.
Addressing reporters in Tokyo, Iwaya emphasized that Japan was “extremely regretful” over the escalating violence, which he said risks triggering uncontrollable consequences for international peace and economic stability. “Japan calls on all sides to refrain from further provocative actions,” he said, adding that “dialogue and diplomatic engagement are the only viable paths toward lasting peace and the resolution of nuclear concerns.”
Japan, which has historically maintained cordial relations with both Western powers and Iran, is positioning itself as a potential diplomatic bridge in the conflict. Officials in Tokyo underscored that the current standoff especially in light of Iran’s threat to block the Strait of Hormuz poses a direct threat to Japan’s energy security and global oil markets.
The Japanese government also drew a clear distinction between Israeli and American military actions. While Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba raised ethical and legal questions regarding Israel’s unilateral strikes, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi pointed out that the U.S., despite its recent offensive, remains open to diplomatic engagement with Iran. “This is not an open-ended war,” Hayashi said. “The United States has signaled its intent to negotiate, and that must be encouraged.”
Japan’s call for calm joins a growing global chorus urging restraint. France, Germany, Canada, and the United Nations have all condemned the escalation, calling instead for negotiations under international frameworks such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The concern is not limited to the battlefield oil prices have surged, commercial airlines have begun rerouting flights, and humanitarian groups warn of a potential refugee crisis if the conflict spreads.
Japan’s appeal comes at a particularly volatile moment. After U.S. stealth bombers struck deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz, Tehran fired a barrage of missiles at Israeli military positions and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz a critical artery for global oil transportation. These actions have pushed the region to the brink of a full-scale war.
Japanese officials have stated their willingness to work with international partners to revive stalled nuclear negotiations and help create an environment conducive to peace. Tokyo believes that restoring diplomatic channels, possibly through neutral mediators, is now more urgent than ever.
“As a peace-loving nation with a long-standing commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, Japan cannot remain silent when the world is sliding toward another devastating war,” Foreign Minister Iwaya said. “We urge all nations involved to embrace their moral and political responsibilities to preserve global stability.”
With the international community increasingly alarmed, Japan’s voice adds weight to the urgent call for peace, reflecting both a deep humanitarian concern and a pragmatic recognition of the global risks posed by a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict.