Japan says strikes show US resolve to stop Iran's nuclear weapons development
Japan's top government spokesperson says the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities show its determination to prevent Tehran from possessing nuclear weapons.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa told reporters on Monday that the United States has seriously pursued dialogue with Iran amid the difficult situation surrounding its nuclear program and that Washington sought to quickly resolve the issue.
Hayashi said Japan strongly hopes the path to dialogue will be reopened. He said peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important to Japan and Tokyo will work with the international community in making various diplomatic efforts to that end.
Hayashi said 87 Japanese nationals have evacuated by land from Iran and 21 from Israel.
He also said that two Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft are on standby in the African country of Djibouti to evacuate Japanese citizens if airports reopen.
Hayashi said the Japanese government will continue to make the utmost efforts to secure the safety of its nationals in the Middle East region.
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