TOKYO: Japan has joined in the condemnation of Israel鈥檚 attack on Iran with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya saying the attack 鈥渆scalates the situation鈥� in the Middle East, Japan鈥檚 Foreign Ministry reported.

鈥淲e deeply regret that military force was used despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the US and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue,鈥� Iwaya said. 鈥淥ur country strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation.鈥�

Iwaya emphasized that peace and stability in the Middle East are 鈥渆xtremely important鈥� to Japan and urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint.

He called for de-escalation of the situation, adding that the Japanese government will spare no effort to protect Japanese nationals residing in the region.

鈥淲e will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation,鈥� he said.