The Japanese government announced on Monday the resumption of economic sanctions against Iran, after the United Nations reimposed sanctions on the country over its nuclear development.
But Tokyo underlined the importance of a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue.
Local media outlets said that based on a UN Security Council resolution, the government designated the assets of 78 organizations and 43 individuals to be frozen.
“The issue is now at a crossroads,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference, underlining the importance of a diplomatic solution. “We shouldn't lose opportunities for dialogue.”
Hayashi repeatedly stated that Japan's stance of calling for a solution through dialogue remains unchanged. “We will continue necessary diplomatic efforts while following the Security Council's decision,” he emphasized.
On Sunday, Japan has expressed regret as UN sanctions over Iran's nuclear program were reimposed.
“Japan has consistently emphasized the importance of resolving the issue through dialogue...based on the position that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed,” Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said in a statement.
“It is regrettable that the parties involved could not reach an agreement,” he added.
The Minister also said that Iran's nuclear issue stands at a crucial juncture.
“Japan's position which places importance on resolving this issue through dialogue remains unchanged, and the momentum for such dialogue must not be lost,” he noted.
Britain, France and Germany initiated the return of sanctions on Iran at the UN Security Council over accusations it had violated a 2015 deal that aimed to stop it developing a nuclear bomb. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
On Sunday, the UN has reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program following the process triggered by European powers that Tehran has warned will be met with a harsh response.
