(Update 2) Ishiba Calls for Calming Down Situation Regarding Iran

   Tokyo, June 22 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday called for calming down the situation regarding Iran, following the United States' airstrikes on nuclear sites in the Middle East country.
   "It's paramount to calm down the situation soon," Ishiba told reporters at his official residence in Tokyo, showing the Japanese government's stance over the U.S. attacks. "Iran's nuclear development must be blocked," he added.
   Ishiba refrained from making a clear-cut comment on whether Japan supports the U.S. attacks, saying only that his government will fully discuss it.
   Following the recent exchange of fire between Israel and Iran, the Japanese government has urged them to exercise restraint while trying not to take sides, as Tokyo has built amicable relations with both countries. Japan hopes that the conflict will be resolved through dialogue.
   "We will decide whether to support the U.S. attacks after receiving additional explanations" from Washington, a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official said.

(2025/06/23-01:46)

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