Japan to Iran: "Show restraint regarding Israel's response"

Japan's foreign minister, Yōko Kamikawa, spoke this morning (Tuesday) with her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian following Iran's extensive attack on Israel last weekend and apparent preparations an Israeli response. Kamikawa called on Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Japanese government's announcement, Kamikawa said that "restraint must be shown in connection with the Israeli response to the Iranian attack." She also stated that, "Iran must ensure freedom of navigation" in the Mediterranean.

Despite calls around the world to calm the spirits in the region, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told the Emir of Qatar this morning that, "any harm to Iran's interests will be met with a massive and painful response." "The blind support of some Western countries for the Zionist entity is a basis for increasing tensions in the region," he added.