Japan condemns Israeli attacks on Iran as 'totally intolerable'
Foreign Ministry raises travel alert to level 4 near Pakistan, Iraq; level 3 for Iran and Israel
ISTANBUL
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday condemned Israeli military attacks on Iran, calling them “totally intolerable” and “extremely regrettable,” amid escalating violence across the region.
“Any actions that could further escalate the situation must be refrained from,” Ishiba told reporters, referring also to Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes, according to Kyodo News.
Israel's attacks killed at least 78 people with 320 others injured, according to figures earlier announced by Iran's UN envoy.
Iran responded Friday night with missile attacks on multiple locations in Israel, killing three people and injuring more than 170. The exchange of attacks continued into Saturday.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also condemned the Israeli strikes in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry.
“The use of military means amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts, including US-Iran talks aimed at the peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue, is completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable,” Iwaya said. “The Government of Japan strongly condemns these actions.”
He also expressed concern over Iran’s retaliation.
“The Government of Japan is gravely concerned about the exchange of retaliatory attacks and strongly condemns any action that could further escalate the situation,” he said, urging “maximum restraint” and “de-escalation of tensions.”
Japan’s Foreign Ministry raised its danger advisory for both Iran and Israel to Level 3, advising citizens to “avoid all travel.” Areas near Pakistan and Iraq were raised to Level 4 — the highest alert level — advising evacuation and complete avoidance of travel.
