Japan Convenes Emergency NSC... Foreign Minister: "Maintaining Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime Is Important" [US Airstrikes on Iran]

Protection of 200 Japanese Nationals in Iran
Emphasis on Diplomatic Efforts for "Early Resolution"
No Statement on Support for U.S. and Israeli Actions

The Japanese government convened a National Security Council (NSC) meeting late at night on February 28, in response to the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. During the meeting, the officials discussed future response measures, including strategies to ensure the safety of approximately 200 Japanese nationals currently residing in Iran.

According to NHK and Kyodo News on March 1, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi returned to the Prime Minister’s Office around 10 p.m. the previous night after completing a campaign rally in support of the Ishikawa Prefecture governor election. She then held an NSC meeting together with Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, and Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama.

Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Photo by Yonhap News

After the NSC meeting, Minister Kihara held a press conference in the early hours of the day, stating, "Iran must halt actions that destabilize the region, including the development of nuclear weapons." He added, "We will work with the international community to make necessary diplomatic efforts for an early resolution of this situation." He continued, "No Japanese casualties have been confirmed so far, but we will continue to do our utmost to protect our citizens overseas."

However, according to Kyodo News, he did not make a clear statement on whether Japan supports the recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Foreign Minister Motegi also stated after the NSC meeting, "It is extremely important to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, including energy security, as well as to uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.