Japan Says Wants to Develop Friendly Ties with Iran

During a meeting with the Iranian minister in the Japanese capital on Thursday, Abe said Tokyo is willing to maintain, and develop, its traditionally friendly ties with Iran, Euro News reported.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, Zarif left New Delhi for Tokyo on Wednesday at the official invitation of his counterpart in the East Asian country.

The Japanese prime minister also told Zarif that he was concerned about growing tension in the Middle East.

Last week, the US deployed warships and warplanes to the Middle East.

Tensions escalated even further after an incident with four tankers off the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, with US investigators reportedly blaming Iran.

No evidence of Iran's role has emerged and Tehran has called for an investigation.

Iran has condemned the attack as “dreadful” and a lawmaker said Iranian suspicions fell on Israel.

In an earlier meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono, Zarif said Iran is exercising “maximum restraint in spite of the fact the United States withdrew from (the) JCPOA last May.”

“We believe that escalation (of sanctions) by the United States is unacceptable and uncalled for,” he said.

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