Iran Press/Asia: During their call, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and Japanese Defence Minister Taro Kono exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, according to the Japanese ministry, after US President Donald Trump on Wednesday offered a restrained response to Iran's missile attacks which targeted US airbase.
According to Kyodo News, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono spoke by phone with his Iranian counterpart Amir Hatami to explain Tokyo’s plan to dispatch a destroyer and two patrol airplanes to the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Japan government announces Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is going to make a 5-day trip to the Middle East from Saturday 11th January.
Japanese prime minister seeks to defuse tensions in the Middle East
Abe plans to go to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman for talks with their leaders, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to explain Tokyo's plan to send Self-Defense Forces personnel and assets to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities in the Middle East. The SDF's operational areas include the Gulf of Oman and part of the Arabian Sea.
Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for its crude oil imports and the SDF dispatch is aimed at helping secure the safety of Japan-related commercial ships passing through the region. 101/219
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