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Two Japanese citizens have been detained in Iran, according to an announcement by Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, as tensions escalate in the Middle East following recent military strikes involving the United States and Israel.
Speaking during a parliamentary session in Tokyo, Motegi confirmed that the Japanese government is in contact with the two detained individuals and has verified that they are currently safe. Tokyo has strongly called for their early release while continuing diplomatic engagement with Iranian authorities.
One of the detainees is believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, who was reportedly detained earlier this year. The circumstances surrounding the second detention have not been fully disclosed, but officials say it occurred before the recent military strikes on Iran.
The situation comes amid growing regional instability after attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets at the end of February, which significantly heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. Japan has expressed serious concern about the deteriorating security situation and is monitoring developments closely.
According to the Japanese government, around 200 Japanese nationals are currently residing in Iran. Authorities have contacted most of them to confirm their safety while preparing contingency plans for evacuation if the security situation worsens.
Tokyo has also been coordinating with regional partners to ensure the safety of its citizens and protect vital shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for global energy supplies and Japan’s oil imports.
The detention of the two Japanese nationals has sparked public concern in Japan, with fears rising over the safety of citizens in the Middle East and the potential impact of escalating conflict on global energy markets.
Japanese officials have reiterated that securing the safe release of the detained individuals and protecting Japanese nationals abroad remain top priorities as diplomatic efforts continue.
