Top Japanese diplomat holds phone call with Iranian counterpart, urges restraint in ongoing Mideast conflict

ISTANBUL

Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi spoke with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Monday, urging restraint in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

In a phone call between two top diplomats, Tokyo urged Tehran “for an early de-escalation of the situation,” and conveyed Tokyo’s “grave concern over the continuing exchange of attacks and the deterioration of the regional situation.”

According to a statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry, Motegi also condemned “Iran's actions including its attacks on civilian facilities in the Gulf countries as well as actions that threaten freedom of navigation and safety in the Strait of Hormuz, and urged Iran to immediately cease such actions.”

Last Friday, Motegi also spoke to Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, conveying “grave concern” to Israel and urged de-escalation following attacks on Iran.

Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran, killing more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.