Japan’s top diplomat urges Iran not to give Russia weapons for war on Ukraine

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian in Tokyo on Monday urged Iran not to provide Russia with weapons for its war against Ukraine.

That’s according to Kyodo, Ukrinform reports.

The meeting was held amid statements by Ukraine and its western partners that Tehran sends Moscow massive military assistance, including drones and munitions. Tokyo seeks to use its traditional friendship with Tehran to contribute to stopping the war.

Japan holds this year's presidency of the Group of Seven nations, which have maintained economic sanctions on Russia over its war against its neighbor since February last year.

Hayashi also expressed "serious concern" about the expansion of Iran's nuclear activities, while calling for its "complete and unconditional cooperation" with the International Atomic Energy Agency, in light of a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal that Japan supports, the ministry said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the United States is ready without hesitation to apply additional economic and other restrictions against Iran due to the latter’s efforts to deepen military cooperation with Russia.

Photo: Kyodo