TOKYO - U.S. President Donald Trump called on Japan to "step up" its role in addressing tensions in the Middle East during a Japan-U.S. summit held on March 19th, as Iran’s ambassador to Japan also expressed expectations for Tokyo to play a constructive diplomatic role, placing renewed focus on Japan’s unique position between the two sides.
Trump, speaking after the summit, said, "We expect Japan to step up (its support)," repeatedly emphasizing the need for greater Japanese involvement in the evolving regional situation.
On March 26th, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to questions from opposition lawmakers regarding Trump’s remarks, stating that they reflected expectations for Japan’s actions. Takaichi said, "Based on the context, I understand the remarks as referring to Japan taking action—or being expected to take action—to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
Meanwhile, on the same day, Iran’s ambassador to Japan, Peiman Seadat, attended a general meeting of a Japan-Iran parliamentary friendship group, where he described Japan as "a peace-loving and reliable friend." Seadat expressed hope that Japan would play a leading role in resolving the conflict and indicated a willingness to pursue solutions through dialogue, including on the issue of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
As tensions continue to escalate, attention has turned to what Japan can do—and what only Japan may be uniquely positioned to achieve—given its longstanding diplomatic ties with Iran.
Japan has historically maintained relatively friendly relations with Iran compared to other Western nations. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, then-Foreign Minister Shintaro Abe visited both countries in an effort to mediate a ceasefire, marking a distinctive example of Japan’s independent diplomacy.
In 2018, after the Trump administration withdrew unilaterally from the Iran nuclear agreement and reinstated economic sanctions, then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Iran in June 2019 in an attempt to ease tensions and facilitate dialogue with the United States. During that visit, Abe also held talks with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
With expectations now coming from both Washington and Tehran, Japan faces a delicate balancing act: responding to U.S. calls for greater involvement while also preserving Iran’s trust. The situation has entered a phase where Tokyo’s ability to propose solutions that respect both sides will be put to the test.
Source: TBS
