The government announced on Monday the resumption of economic sanctions against Iran, after the United Nations reimposed sanctions on the country over its nuclear development.
Based on a U.N. 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.¡±
Iran has strongly opposed the U.N. sanctions, including by suggesting that it would suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
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.
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