Japan seeks to defuse Middle East tensions
Japanese government officials say they will continue diplomatic efforts to defuse heightened tensions in the Middle East, following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. They are also studying how to respond to a possible surge in energy prices.
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was set to leave for the Netherlands on Tuesday to attend a NATO leaders' summit, but he canceled the trip as the situation in the Middle East escalated.
Ishiba told reporters on Monday that it is difficult to conduct a legal assessment of the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, given various disputes in international law.
Ishiba said he regards the move by the US as demonstrating its determination to de-escalate the situation, while preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Japanese government plans to work with other countries toward the de-escalation of the situation, and take measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region.
Asked about the possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, officials said such a scenario could deal a serious blow to Japan, which depends heavily on the region for its oil supply.
The government will put precautionary measures in place on Thursday to counter possible spikes in gasoline prices.
A senior official of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party warned that the prices of oil and other resources could rise. He said his party will discuss responses.
The head of an opposition party called for the provisional gasoline tax rate to be abolished. Experts expect the country's energy measures to be a key issue in the upcoming Upper House election amid escalation in the Middle East.
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