De-escalating Middle East Tensions: Sanae Takaichi Arranging Call with Iranian President

According to AFP, Sanae Takaichi stated in a House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting: "I recall I said yesterday that we are arranging a call with the President of Iran... We must maintain communication with both the United States and Iran, so we are seeking to speak with the presidents of both countries."

Tokyo authorities announced earlier that Iran had released a Japanese national detained since January. Kyodo News reported that this individual is believed to be the Tehran bureau chief for Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).

Tokyo stated that Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi by phone on the evening of the 6th, Japan time.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Motegi expressed "grave concern over the continuing escalation of retaliatory attacks (between Iran and Gulf states) and reiterated Japan's consistent position that it is crucial to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible." The statement also mentioned: "Furthermore, he urged Iran to sincerely participate in the diplomatic mediation currently underway among the relevant countries."

Japan is the world's fifth-largest oil importer, with over 90% of its oil and 10% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported from the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday again criticized NATO allies, South Korea, Australia, and Japan for not assisting in operations against Iran. (Translated by: Chang Ming-xuan)