Japan To Tell Tehran To Cut Weapon Supply To Russia

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will visit Japan Sunday and meet his Japanese counterpart and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan will tell Iran to stop weapon supplies to Russia at Amir-Abdollahian's Tokyo visit, Tokyo Broadcasting System said, citing multiple unnamed government officials.

Iran has supplied hundreds of kamikaze drones to Russia that have been extensively used against civilian and infrastructure targets in Ukraine. The United States and its NATO allies have urged Tehran to stop its military support for Moscow and have imposed a series of sanctions on entities and individuals involved in the drone program.

The main purpose of Amir-Abdollahian’s trip to Tokyo is not clear, as Iran is generally isolated by the United States and its allies. Japan owes Iran around $3 billion, which are funds frozen due to US sanctions. Amir- Abdollahian most likely raise the issue of the funds, as Tehran is also pressuring South Korea to release $7 billion frozen by two Seoul banks.

Amir-Abdollahian who was visiting Pakistan on Thursday called on the US and Europe to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine.

The government media in Tehran has displayed clear support for Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began and the government and its officials have never condemned Moscow’s attacks on civilians.