Japan urges Iran not to provide Russia with arms for war with Ukraine

During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tokyo, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi urged Tehran not to provide Russia with weapons for its war against Ukraine.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The Japanese Foreign Minister reaffirmed the country's position on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and called on the Iranian representative to give a "constructive response" to the Kremlin's military aggression.

The two sides agreed to continue "close communication" on issues related to the Middle East, the Japanese Foreign Ministry reported.

In addition, the ministers exchanged views on the latest developments around the Iranian nuclear issue. Hayashi said that Japan supports the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and is "seriously concerned" about Tehran's expanding nuclear activities, calling for constructive measures, including full and unconditional cooperation within the framework of the Joint Statement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In response, Abdollahian said that Iran is seeking to renew the JCPOA "through negotiations" and added that Tehran is seeking to continue close contacts with Japan on this issue.

According to Kyodo news agency, the talks took place against the backdrop of Western claims that Iran is providing Russia with military assistance, such as drones and ammunition, while Tokyo is seeking to "use its traditional friendship with Tehran to help end the war."

It is worth noting that this year Japan presides over the G7, which has maintained economic sanctions against Russia since February last year over its war against Ukraine.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 08/08/2023