Tokyo, March 22 (ANI): The Japanese government has confirmed the release of one of two nationals who had been detained in Iran, Kyodo News reported.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the individual, held since June, left via Azerbaijan last Wednesday and has returned to Japan in good health. On the remaining detainee, Motegi said, “We are working toward the early release of the other individual.”
Reports from a non-profit group indicate the second detainee is the Tehran bureau chief for public broadcaster NHK, who was taken into custody on January 20. Earlier this month, the government formally requested the release of its citizens.
Motegi also said Japan could consider deploying its Self-Defense Forces for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is achieved in the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. “Japan’s minesweeping technology is at the top level in the world,” he said, adding, “Let’s say (the parties have entered into a) cease-fire, and, in the event that mines pose an obstacle, we may have to think about it.”
Those comments followed Motegi’s attendance at the Japan-U.S. summit in Washington last Thursday. President Donald Trump appeared to recognize Japan’s constitutional and legal constraints while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi clarified statutory limits on dispatching Japanese naval vessels. Motegi later said there was “no specific promise” made during the talks and no unresolved issues requiring immediate domestic deliberation.
Kyodo News noted the situation in the region remains critical after airstrikes on February 28 by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran, with major implications for global energy security and Middle Eastern stability. Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports. (ANI)
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