ISTANBUL

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi discussed the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran during a phone call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Japan’s Defense Ministry said.

“Regarding the situation in Iran,” Hegseth explained the latest developments and the outlook for the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the ministry said in a statement.

Tensions in the Middle East surged after Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.

Iranian authorities say the attacks killed about 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

At least seven US service members have been killed in the conflict.

Koizumi said Japan “is closely monitoring developments with grave concern in order to ensure thorough information gathering and the protection of Japanese nationals,” according to the ministry statement.

“Japan is ensuring the utmost warning and surveillance around Japan,” he added.