Japan calls for restraint after Israel attacks Iran in retaliation

TOKYO (Kyodo) – Japan’s government on Saturday expressed concern over Israel’s attack on military facilities in Iran and called on all parties involved to exercise “maximum restraint” amid fears of an all-out regional war.

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said of Israel’s retaliatory attacks on military targets in Iran: “Japan is deeply concerned by the exchange of attacks, including this attack, and strongly condemns any action that escalates the situation.

“Japan strongly urges all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and calm the situation,” he said in a statement issued Saturday, citing that “peace and stability in the Middle East are extremely important” for the Asian country.

Following the surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas about a year ago, which sparked the conflict in the Gaza Strip, clashes between Israel and its regional enemy Iran and allied groups in the Middle East have intensified.

The Israeli military said on Saturday it had carried out “targeted and precise strikes against military targets in Iran” in response to “months of sustained attacks”.

On October 1, Iran launched at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of the leaders of its allies Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed retaliation for the attack.

In the wake of the latest attack, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it “considers itself the right and duty to defend itself against foreign acts of aggression.” The airstrikes reportedly killed four soldiers and hit radar systems.