TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday denounced Iran’s latest attack on Israel.

The attack “will cause the situation in the Middle East to deteriorate further,” he told reporters at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo. “I’m deeply concerned (over the attack). I strongly condemn such an escalation.”

“The peace and stability in the Middle East is important for our country,” Kishida said, adding, “(We) need to continue all diplomatic efforts to calm the situation.”

There has been no information on damage to Japanese nationals at the moment, he said.

Kishida said that he instructed government agencies and ministries to cooperate with other countries, including on gathering information and protecting Japanese nationals.

The prime minister received reports on the Iranian attack on Israel while he was aboard a government plane on his way back from a US trip. After arrival, he discussed necessary measures with senior Foreign Ministry officials and others at the prime minister’s office.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said in a statement Sunday that Japan will make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent the Middle East situation from becoming even worse.

Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa also issued a statement denouncing Iran’s latest attack on Israel.

“I strongly condemn such an escalation,” she said, adding that she is “deeply concerned” that the attack will lead to further deterioration in the Middle East situation.

The peace and stability in the Middle East is “extremely important” for Japan, the statement said.

JIJI Press