TOKYO, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has called for de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, stressing the importance to calm the situation.
In a telephone talk on Friday with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar, Iwaya expressed deep concern over the ongoing exchange of retaliatory attacks by Israel and Iran and the resulting extensive damage.
The Japanese foreign minister stated that any action that could further escalate the situation should be avoided, and that restoring calm is of utmost importance.
Iwaya also asked for the Israeli government's support in ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals in the country.
Meanwhile, a total of 87 Japanese nationals and their family members have evacuated by land to neighboring countries from Israel and Iran, the Japanese foreign ministry said Friday. ■
