Japan’s Response To The Iran Attacks

(Photo by STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images)

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Japan’s response of silent diplomacy following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran amounts to a strong criticism of Iran’s nuclear development, but Japan has taken a stance of neither supporting nor criticizing the U.S. military action itself. This silent diplomacy is likely due to the need to simultaneously maintain the alliance with the US, ensure energy security in the Middle East and manage relations with Iran. (RELATED: Establishing Japan’s Priorities In Alignment With The USA)

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 1, 2026, Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu referred to the Feb. 28 attack and emphasized that “Iran’s development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed.” He then called for a diplomatic solution, stating that “talks between the United States and Iran are extremely important for resolving this issue, and Japan has strongly supported them.”

The statement, however, avoided a direct assessment of the merits of the U.S. military’s attack. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the Japanese government is currently focusing on gathering information and protecting Japanese nationals while maintaining close contact with the countries concerned. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara when asked about his assessment of the US military action at a press conference following the National Security Council (NSC) meeting merely said, ” We are continuing to gather information.” Japanese media interpreted this as consideration for the U.S.

A Nod to US-Japan Relations

The Tokyo-based Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that the intention was to avoid any impact on Japan-U.S. relations ahead of the summit meeting between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for this month. When asked by a reporter whether he supported or opposed the US actions, the foreign minister refrained from making a direct assessment, simply repeating that “Iran’s development of nuclear weapons is absolutely unacceptable.” (RELATED: Questioning Military Strategy For Northeast Asia)

Analyzing Japan’s Position

There are three factors behind Japan’s response. First, the Japan-US alliance: Japan relies on the US military for a large part of its security, and it is considered difficult to openly criticize the military actions of its ally.

The second is energy security: Japan relies on the Middle East for roughly 90 % of its crude oil imports, and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have a direct impact on the Japanese economy. This is why Japan’s “Diplomatic Bluebook” clearly stated that it places importance on “peace and stability in the region.”

The third issue is Japan ‘s relationship with Iran: historically, Japan has maintained relatively good relations with Iran, but the relationship has recently become complicated due to the detention of a Japanese national and other issues.

The Japanese government has adopted differing stances, strongly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s expansion into the East and South China Seas as “changing the status quo by force.” Critics have argued that if Japan does not clearly criticize the U.S. attack this time, the consistency of its stance toward China and Russia could be called into question. (RELATED: Germany’s Landmark Visit To China Amid Trump Tariffs)

Priority, Alliance and Timing Factors

Japan’s decision to avoid a direct assessment is likely a result of prioritizing the alliance. Japanese media have reported that the Iranian situation is set to be a major topic at the summit, and Japan’s cautious, balanced diplomacy is expected to continue for the time being.

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