Japan urges Iran to seize opportunity for US nuclear deal in phone call

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya urged Iran not to miss the chance to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Japan’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

In the 30-minute call, the two ministers held what Tokyo described as a candid exchange of views on Iran’s nuclear program. Iwaya stressed Japan’s strong hope for a peaceful resolution and called on Iran to take concrete steps to meet its obligations under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreement.

He also expressed Japan’s commitment to continue diplomatic efforts to help resolve the issue.

According to the Japanese statement, Araghchi explained Iran’s position and efforts. The Iranian foreign ministry has not issued a statement.