Tehran’s approach and Japan’s Balance Between the US and Iran

Аny more convergent approaches with the United States or participation in military pressure or economic blockade could put Japan on the verge of losing the “asset” of its traditional friendly relations with Iran.

With the beginning of the US and Israeli attack on Iran in late February 2026, Tokyo adopted a diplomatic and cautious tone. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae refused to explicitly approve or condemn the Israeli and American operations. In a parliamentary session, Takaichi called Iran’s nuclear program “completely unacceptable.”

In another aspect, Tokyo described the dialogue between the United States and Iran in a statement as “very important for resolving this issue.” While pursuing the return of its citizens home from Iran, Tokyo also showed its alignment with Washington by not getting further involved in the conflict and by keeping its lines of communication with Iran open,

Although the Iranian embassy in Japan called on Japan to “resolutely” confront the United States and Israel over their joint attacks on Iran, Tokyo, apart from “expressing condolences and sympathy to the Iranian people,” refused to endorse or explicitly condemn the US and Israeli operations.

Tehran, while considering the insecurity created in the Strait of Hormuz as a direct result of the Western-imposed war against Iran, has emphasized the need for all governments to adopt a responsible approach to prevent the current situation from becoming more complicated. Tokyo has called on Iran to stop attacks on neighboring countries and the development of its nuclear weapons and to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Also, previously, Donald Trump called on Japan and other countries to help escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. However, from Tokyo’s........

© New Eastern Outlook