Arab News Japan

TOKYO:  Japan is deeply concerned about the initiatives taken by Iran to reduce its commitment regarding the nuclear deal, Foreign Minister HAYASHI  Yoshimasa said at a press conference on Nov. 19. 

“We have repeatedly been asking Iran strongly to respond constructively towards an early return to the original commitment under the nuclear deal,” Hayashi said in response to a question from Arab News Japan.

Japan supports the non-proliferation regime and a nuclear deal that contributes to the stability in the Middle East, the minister said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gave updated estimates of Iran’s uranium stockpile in a report cited by several media outlets on Wednesday.

The agency reportedly said it estimated Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium at 2,489.7 kilograms (4,488.8 pounds) – several times more than the cap agreed in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the official title of the nuclear deal.

Hayashi also touched upon Israel’s rejection to sign NPT.

“Regarding Israel, we have been asking Israel to accede to the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon state,” he said.

Hayashi stressed that Japan will continue its tenacious diplomatic efforts to mediate regional tensions, stabilize the situation, and resolve the nuclear issue. “Japan’s unique position in maintaining good relations with countries related to stability in the Middle East will help Tokyo achieve its goal.”