Japan refrains from outright support of U.S., Israeli attacks on Iran

TOKYO - Japan has refrained from expressing outright support for the weekend launch of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran as Tokyo continued Sunday to gather information on the unfolding situation in the Middle East following the killing of longtime supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has instructed government ministries and agencies to analyze the potential impact of the attacks on sea and air transportation, as well as on the economy. She also vowed Saturday night to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals in the region.