Pentagon, Japan Talk About Rising Tensions in Middle East

(MENAFN) Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held a phone call with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to reports from Japan’s Defense Ministry.

Hegseth briefed Koizumi on the latest developments in Iran and the broader situation in the Middle East. Tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, which Iranian authorities say have killed around 1,300 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military forces. At least seven US service members have been killed during the conflict.

Koizumi stated that Japan “is closely monitoring developments with grave concern in order to ensure thorough information gathering and the protection of Japanese nationals,” adding that the country is maintaining high levels of surveillance and warning measures across its territory.

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