11 June

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump have discussed the situation in the Middle East before Abe leaves for Iran.

During their phone call, Abe is believed to have told Trump he intends to urge Iran to ease tensions when he meets with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Abe and Trump confirmed that they will work closely together for the success of the G20 summit scheduled to take place in Osaka, Japan, later this month.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga officially announced Abe's visit to Iran from Wednesday to Friday. Abe will meet with President Hassan Rouhani and other leaders.

Suga noted that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and Iran.

He pointed out that the last Japanese prime minister to visit Iran was Takeo Fukuda in 1978.

Suga said in view of heightened tensions in the area, Japan will use the summit-level talks to urge regional power Iran ease the strain.

NHK