US Attacks Iran's Nuclear Facilities; Japanese Prime Minister Hopes for Quick Resolution of the Situation

Japanese Prime Minister Shibuya made a statement on April 22 regarding the US announcement of an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. He said at the Prime Minister's Office to reporters, "I believe that the most important thing for our country now is to make the situation calm down as soon as possible. At the same time, we must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons." He also revealed that he had instructed relevant departments to closely cooperate with related countries, thoroughly collect intelligence, and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens.

He further added, "We are currently confirming the relevant facts. We are highly concerned about this and closely monitoring the development of the situation."

When asked whether he supported the US attack, Prime Minister Shibuya only said, "In the future, we will have full discussions within the government and give a reply at an appropriate time."

In addition, Prime Minister Shibuya also stated, "I have instructed relevant departments to closely cooperate with related countries, thoroughly collect intelligence, and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of all Japanese citizens in the region, including Iran and Israel."

Regarding the impact of this incident on Japan's energy supply, Prime Minister Shibuya said, "I have received reports stating that the stable supply of energy to Japan has not been affected yet, but I have instructed to remain highly vigilant, closely monitor the situation, and prepare for any contingency."

On April 22, after the US attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others at the official residence. It is speculated that this meeting was held to listen to a report on the situation in the Middle East.

US President Trump delivered a televised speech to the public regarding the US military's attack on three of Iran's nuclear facilities. Afterwards, heads of relevant departments from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and other ministries gathered at the Prime Minister's Office to brief Prime Minister Abe on the latest developments.

On April 22, 21 Japanese citizens and their families who wished to evacuate from Iran arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, by bus arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was reported that their health conditions were fine.

This evacuation is the second one following the first evacuation carried out from June 19 to 20. It was supported by the Japanese Embassy in Iran, the Japanese Embassy in Azerbaijan, and others. In Baku, there were two members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) dispatched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a medical officer sent by the Japanese Embassy in Turkey for support. Including the first evacuation, a total of 87 people left Iran, but there are still approximately 200 Japanese citizens remaining in Iran.

On the other hand, according to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no Japanese casualties have been confirmed regarding the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. However, authorities are verifying if any Japanese residents are located near the attack sites.

In addition, given this attack, it is expected that more people may wish to evacuate. The Japanese government stated that it will continue to provide full assistance for evacuations and do its utmost to protect the safety of Japanese nationals abroad.

People close to the Prime Minister said, "Iran will have to retaliate, and the conflict may last for a long time." They also expressed concern about the impact of rising oil prices on Japan.

Regarding the timing of this attack, people close to the Prime Minister analyzed, "The US may want to carry out airstrikes before the NATO summit scheduled for April 24 to create a fait accompli."

Source: rfi

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835630961489928/

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