Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan says it hopes the election of Masoud Pezeshkian as President of Iran will enable improved relations between the two countries and bring about greater peace in the Middle East.

“Japan hopes that Iran, under the presidency of Pezeshkian, will play a constructive role for alleviating tensions and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East region,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Japan will continue its proactive diplomatic efforts toward easing tensions and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East region based on the traditional friendly relationship with Iran, while enhancing dialogues with the new Iranian administration under the presidency of Pezeshkian.”

Japan has traditionally had close ties with Iran, which used to supply the country with oil. Under American sanctions against Iran, Japan no longer buys oil from that country.