Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae stated on Tuesday that, due to insufficient information, the government “cannot make a legal assessment, as of now” regarding the recent United States and Israeli attacks on Iran. During a parliamentary committee session, Takaichi responded to opposition party inquiries and indicated that she intends to hold “candid talks” with United States President Donald Trump at their March 19 summit in Washington regarding the situation.
What exactly will be discussed in these candid talks remains a mystery, as does what might come of them, with the conflict’s future shrouded in uncertainty, observers said.
In contrast to its reluctance to take a clear stance regarding the USA and Israel, Japan has adopted a decisive position on Iran, the initial target of the attacks. The Japanese government has increased diplomatic pressure on Iran, urging it to halt attacks on neighboring countries, engage in dialogue to resolve disputes, and renounce its nuclear ambitions. Iran, which was engaged in negotiations at the time of the attack, asserts that it does not seek to develop nuclear weapons.
The prime minister sought to reassure the public, stating that instability in the Middle East is unlikely to lead to a sudden increase in electricity or gas prices. As only 6 percent of Japan’s liquefied natural gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, she emphasized that Japan is prepared to secure gas supplies from alternative countries or the open market if necessary.
Regarding national security, Takaichi stated, “We will protect our country by ourselves. We must drastically advance the strengthening of our defense capabilities at a faster pace than before.”
Tokyo’s stock market declined sharply on Tuesday, driven by concerns about rising oil prices. The Nikkei 225 closed at 56,279.05, a decrease of 1,778.19 points, or 3.06 percent, from Monday, after briefly losing over 1,900 points earlier in the day.
Japanese Transport Minister KANEKO Yasushi reported on Tuesday that 23 Japanese nationals are aboard four vessels currently idled in the Persian Gulf, and all have been confirmed safe. As of Tuesday, 42 Japan-linked ships were present in the Gulf, with no reported damage.
Japanese companies reported that they are implementing prompt measures to safeguard their employees stationed throughout the Middle East.
Chiyoda Corporation, which is constructing a liquefied natural gas plant in Qatar, has confirmed the safety of approximately 200 employees and their families. JERA Company, a major power provider owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings and Chubu Electric Power Company, has instructed all 58 of its employees in the Middle East, including those in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, to depart from those countries.
Inpex Corporation, a major natural resources developer, has advised approximately 160 employees and their families in Abu Dhabi and other locations in the region to remain at home.
