Japan PM Abe sticks to plan to deploy Self-Defense Forces to Middle East
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe repeated his
plans to deploy the Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East to ensure the safety
of its ships, even as tensions in the region erupt in the wake of the United
States’ killing of one of Iran’s top military commanders.
At a televised news conference on Monday, Abe called
on nations involved to make diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and avoid
further escalation.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump ordered the
killing of Qassem Soleimani, leader of the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force via
an air-strike.
Early in 2019, Prime Minister Abe wanted to “make
every effort to reduce tension” between the United States and Iran before
responding to an expected US request to send its navy to safeguard strategic
waters off Iran, according to a report by Reuters.
He then also emphasized Japan’s “long tradition of
friendship” with Iran in a statement.
