Japan to make diplomatic efforts to ensure implementation of Israel-Iran ceasefire: Top diplomat

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said Monday that his country will continue engaging in diplomatic efforts to ensure that a ceasefire agreement is implemented between Israel and Iran.

Iwaya made the comments during his meeting in Tokyo with Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), according to a statement issued by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

“Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to ensure that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran is steadily implemented and that avenues for dialogue are reopened,” he said.

He also expressed Japan’s hope that the GCC will help stabilize the global oil market and called for stronger political and economic ties between the two sides.

Al Budaiwi emphasized the importance of dialogue among the relevant countries for maintaining regional stability, noting that the GCC remains committed to fostering such dialogue.

Both parties expressed shared concerns over actions that endanger freedom of navigation and attacks on oil infrastructure, reaffirming the close cooperation between Japan and the GCC to support peace and stability in the Middle East.

A conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear and civilian sites, killing at least 935 people. The Iranian Health Ministry said 5,332 people were injured.

Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than 3,400, according to figures released by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

During the confrontation, the US also bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.

The conflict, which erupted days before a sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, ended with a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24.